Education is still regarded as the path to a future career, but the means through which education is being attained is changing according to the 'Self Learning: the New Masters Degree?' infographic. With the rising cost of university and the expanding student debt in the United States, among other nations, the conventional idea of a university degree is in question.
Ranked below work ethic and team skills, college education only holds a 42 percent approval rating as a top priority for young people. Further, a great number of people actually feel that their college education and, thereby, debt has actually held them back from buying a home, getting the career they want, etc.
With university drop-outs like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates paving the way, students across America are re-assessing their opportunities.
Alternative Education Graphics
The 'Self-Learning: The New Masters Degree?' Infographic
Trend Themes
1. Self-learning - The trend of self-learning is becoming more popular due to the high cost of traditional education, creating opportunities for disruptive innovations in online education platforms.
2. Alternative Education - The trend of alternative education options is emerging as a way for individuals to gain skills and knowledge without incurring high amounts of student debt, creating opportunities for disruptive innovations in vocational training and apprenticeships.
3. Career-focused Education - The trend of career-focused education is increasing as individuals seek to attain the skills and knowledge needed for specific job roles, creating opportunities for disruptive innovations in personalized and flexible learning programs.
Industry Implications
1. Online Education - Online education platforms have an opportunity to disrupt the traditional education system by providing affordable and accessible alternatives to traditional degree programs.
2. Vocational Training - Vocational training programs have an opportunity to disrupt the higher education system by providing hands-on, job-specific training without the high costs of a traditional degree program.
3. Apprenticeships - Apprenticeship programs have an opportunity to disrupt the higher education system by providing on-the-job training and career development opportunities that are tailored to specific industries and job roles.