I know this doesnt really belong here, but need some advice?

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not been on here for ages, but thought i might get some help!

I have applied for Rural Enterprise and Land Management at Harper Adams, and have a place and accomodation dependent on grades.

I really want to go and the course sounds amazing, its also a fast track into chartered surveying (thinking of earning money obviously ) I have no experience in this field, and no idea if thats ultimately what i want to do.

I am also very keen to go into equine event management/agricultural event management which i can also do with the course.

Heres my dilema. Do i go to uni and get in loads of student debt and then get the same job i could potentially get if i worked hard now for it?? i have a few contacts in surveying and event management so with the hard work and dedication i already have shown is it possible? also have a boyfriend to consider and horses too :/

thoughts and advice will be much appreciated

Sophie
 
Unfortunately, IMO, a lot of employers still want to tick the qualifications box. With so many people after certain jobs now applications are sifted for those who meet all the 'essential' requirements and more often than not in the field you are talking about a degree/ qualifications are essential.
However some employers may well support you gaining further qualifications, I personally would not turn a university place down in the hope that one of these came along, I would only do it if it I had such a place secured.

Whatever you decide, gaining experience through volunteering, summer jobs etc in the career you have choosen will put you ahead of not so savvy candidates.
 
I didn't go to uni as I didn't know what I wanted to do, and thought it would be stupid to get into debt and come out of the end of it with a degree (all being well) completely unrelated to any job I might do.

I now work for the local authority, and am a couple of years older than my colleague. They have degrees, and debt. I have experience. We earn the same.

Probably not much help but in my experience unless any course is going to lead you directly to what you want to do, I would prefer to put hard work in. Also, if you are going to have to make alot of sacrifices, it will be easier if its somehting you love.
 
I have loads of work experience and try and go somewhere every summer - except this year I am just working at waitrose to earn some money lol.

Ive worked at riding schools, taught pony club, worked at a large livery yard, broken a few ponies, worked at an equitation school, groomed etc. I have also set up a very successful equestrian team at college - with the majority of the work coming from me. I secured sponsorship; some of which came from Baileys horse feed and organised team kit and training with John Bowen; among other well known coaches.

Unfortunately I dont truley know what I want and I feel that event management is probably best suited for me. Would I be able to do that without a degree? I am so motivated and hardworking, always trying to think outside the box I dont know whether uni and debt is actually worth it if i could do the same thing at the end?

I hate decisions lol. Dad always says I can do whatever I want with hard work - but jobs are so competitive at the moment, needing a degree seems essential?

Thank you for the advice.. Such hard decisions to make.
 
Assuming you get the grades go start your degree. You've heard of the expression a bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush....

If whilst doing your degree you get a real oportunity to get a job which will get you to where you want to be then that is when you need to make the choice.

You are only young yet and by doing the degree you may have your mind opened to other opportunties you may not know about now.

if youd ecide in the future you want to take a completely differnet direction then having a degree, even if not directly related will stand you in good stead.
 
Thank you.
I know uni is the best option if I get the grades but theres a lot to think about - like the fact I wont be earning as much for 4/5 years, and the debt!

Sophie
 
Personally I wouldn't bother with uni if you can get on the bottom rung of the ladder now and work your way up. You can always do qualifications through day release, which your employer may well pay for, and end up better qualified, without the debt uni brings.
 
Try the Coutryside Alliance website they are currently advertising the following vacancy that might be right up your street.

Job Title: Events and Fundraising Assistant
Permanent, part time, based in London
We are looking for an Events and Fundraising assistant to work in our office in London to help with the smooth running of our national events and fund raising operations. The position would suit a school or college leaver who is self confident, outgoing and a team player. Applicants must be sympathetic to the activities and campaigns of the Alliance and wish to pursue a career in fundraising and organising high quality, high profile events.
Interested applicants must be able to work in London, be willing to travel and possess professional IT skills, have a current driving licence and ideally should be available from the end of July or sooner. Remuneration will be dependent on experience. Interested applicants should send their application to kate-horseman@countryside-alliance.org
 
I did not go to uni straight from school as the debt idea scared me to death!

Its even worse now!!! :( :( :( :( :(

I now have a BSc (Hons) 2:1 graduated this year and not a penny of debt! :D:D:D:D:D:D

The way I achieved this is my employer sponsored me and paid for my course fee's, my costs (uni was a 121 mile round trip and they paid all my petrol and parking) and even paid me for the one day a week I had to attend Uni. The deal is that they pay for everything then I stay with the company for two years after I graduate. If I leave in that time then I have to pay back 50% of the cost of the course. I completed my degree by attending one day a week (day release) and it took me about 4 years to do (I had a HNC before I started so I did get credit for prior learning)
 
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