What could he gain from going to uni?

[paulkal]

My friend's son is doing well in his final year of his A Level course and is likely to get good results. He is, however, beginning to have his doubts as to whether he would get work afterwards, as he intends to do an Environmental Studies degree. His mother and other adults he respects have tried to explain that there is more to be gained than just a qualification. Has anyone got any ideas that may help my friend reinforce the advice she has given?

I take your point Milly - and indeed Environmental studies/ science/ technology/ policy/ etc... is not my discipline but Imperial does offer some of this - all I was trying to suggest is that universities tend to have careers/ guidance counselors & all sorts of events going on to help students gain 'transferable skills' and 'work experience' to help them go on to land a good job with definite prospects.

The real issue - as ever - as that often students put off thinking about what to do next until the last possible moment.

My advice is visit the careers office in those first weeks of starting University and just like you would diary in lectures - plan to be working on skills/ volunteer or work opportunities along with your studies.

I think in this field, volunteering is a great thing to do to spruce up the cv. The best course you can aspire to is also important and the better universities too. Certainly, having an idea about what you want to do leads to choosing the right A levels and the right course. If you really want to do Civil Engineering specialising in Environmental Engineering, for example, then the right A levels will be crucial but if you want to do Environmental Studies, then there is a wider choice of suitable A levels but probably less good job prospects.

Thanks for your reply. You say some very helpful things about choice of subjects. I will pass your advice on.

There are specific courses that he might like that are related to aspects of the environment, such as forestry or agriculture and forestry.

He might be interested in a masters after enviro science, perhaps in something like sustainable water management that includes flood control and sustainability issues. But I would do a B.Sc/science based environmental course instead of anything called 'X/Y/Z studies'

Thanks for your reply, mathanxiety. I will pass your advice on.