Is a university degree still a wise investment? | DW News

Record numbers of young people are graduating from university, while entry level jobs are disappearing. So is getting a degree still worthwhile? Or should job hunters focus on practical skills and microcredentials instead of lengthy academic courses?

In China, a record 12.7 million graduates have hit the job market this summer, according to China’s education ministry. DW’s East Asia Correspondent Rik Glauert tells us how those who can’t find work are sometimes faking a job to keep up appearances.

In India, 10 million students who graduated this year, with fewer prospects of finding a job than ever. DW spoke to university graduates about their frustrations at the education system, which have boiled over into huge protests in recent weeks.

In some industries, artificial intelligence is replacing entry level jobs. In some countries, too many students have studied for careers with too few job prospects. And some universities have failed to deliver skills that employers are seeking.

So what should people do when planning their careers? DW spoke to Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. He says vocational training is offering a faster path to a career. Some employers are offering on-the-job training and prefer applicants who can adapt faster to new conditions, rather than those with qualifications but no life experience.

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