Non-Study Options
University isn’t for everyone and there are other options after leaving school. When looking for work you will most likely be competing against recent graduates for entry-level jobs. You need to ensure you do everything you can to enhance your employability through work experience and transferable skills.
Some employers run training schemes for school leavers, similar to graduate training schemes, which usually require you to stay with the company for a set period of time. The advantage of such a scheme is that when you change jobs, you will be on an equal footing with graduates - with the added bonus of on the job experience.
Alternatively you can take an entry-level job at a company - which may not be the role you would like - to get a foot in the door. By showing an employer what you are capable of and that you are willing and able to learn, you may work your way up to the job you want.
Sometimes you may not realise tertiary education is not for you until after you have begun study. Leaving takes courage, but does not mean you have wasted your time and money. Skills gained at university, such as report writing, research methods and IT skills are attractive to potential employers regardless of whether a degree was obtained or not. You should highlight those skills on your CV, and do not let incompletion of qualifications impede your entry to the workforce.
In an interview it is likely you will be asked why you left your studies; be clear and honest – if student life was not for you, say so, but don’t say things like you left because you couldn’t be bothered to finish assignments, you were scared of failure or you lacked the motivation to work on your own. Such reasons will send potential employers running a mile.
Study modules or paper completed at university still count, especially if they are directly related to the job you want. Draw an employers’ attention to your competence in those areas in your covering letter or interview.
