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Does Uni really matter? If so, to what extent? (1 Viewer)

DanJohnson

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I know this has been asked heaps before, but I just want to see what you all think. Everyone who can actually answer the question properly seem to be split on the matter.
 

Absolutezero

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Opinion is split because it depends on the degree. Some courses it makes no difference whatsoever. Others, it does have some impact.
 

kaz1

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In terms of what you learn I don't think it helps that much. But like having a degree is good for your career.
 

FrozenSky

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To be completely honest, a bachelor of commerce is not really useful (unless you are majoring in accounting or finance).
Managing people and marketing is more of a talent, rather than something you can learn (although practice can make you better, you still cannot beat talent). So in essence, a commerce degree is just to make you appear more employable in those areas. If you however want to do accounting/finance, then yes a commerce degree is highly beneficial.
On the other hand, if you want to do something like science or engineering, then yes, uni does matter.
 

Shadowdude

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Of course it matters. If nothing else, it shows dedication to a particular field - so much so that you took an extended period of time devoting yourself to study in that area.
 

Azure

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If you want to be a lawyer, doctor, engineer, accountant and so on, then obviously university is important.

There are other occupations where a university degree is not the end all and be all.

Depends on what you want to do.

(Hope I haven't misunderstood the question - brain is fried)
 
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chuha

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Opinions are divided because it comes down to personal choice.

Work towards the field/area of work you desire and meet the requirements needed to achieve this.

If you don't need a degree for it then it's ok, but if you do then in that case uni obviously matters.
 

DanJohnson

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How important is the uni you attend? I plan on going to uni but I'm also split between getting into an awesome degree at a uni like UWS or a relatively okay degree at a uni like USYD or UNSW.
 

Azure

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can't you go to TAFE and be an accountant?
You can go to TAFE and be a book keeper (not an accountant).

You would be pretty limited in your options if you just did a plain accounting degree without a GradDip from CPA/CA let alone a TAFE diploma.
 

chuha

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How important is the uni you attend? I plan on going to uni but I'm also split between getting into an awesome degree at a uni like UWS or a relatively okay degree at a uni like USYD or UNSW.
Again, look at the desired field and job, determining which uni would better suit to achieve these.
 

Azure

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How important is the uni you attend? I plan on going to uni but I'm also split between getting into an awesome degree at a uni like UWS or a relatively okay degree at a uni like USYD or UNSW.
It depends on what you want to study. If you want to do something like law, then from what I've heard pretty much anything that isn't USYD or UNSW is looked down upon.
 

DanJohnson

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Okay, thanks for your responses. I eventually plan on getting into something to do with commerce and/or law.

Since the law cut offs for universities like USYD and UNSW are beyond my reach... would it be wise to do law at UWS or rather get into commerce at UNSW or USYD and then transfer? I've also considered other pathways such as scholarships and the like...

Sorry for the constant questions.
 

b00m

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wow with the comments re: commerce i feel pretty useless right now lol

im picking up combined economics though.. i hope this gives me credibility
 

Shadowdude

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Okay, thanks for your responses. I eventually plan on getting into something to do with commerce and/or law.

Since the law cut offs for universities like USYD and UNSW are beyond my reach... would it be wise to do law at UWS or rather get into commerce at UNSW or USYD and then transfer? I've also considered other pathways such as scholarships and the like...

Sorry for the constant questions.
Law is Law. If you're a great personality and you have the skills - so what if you went to a so-called "lesser" university? One of the lawyers at a top Sydney law firm is from UTS or something like that. I didn't even know they offered Law until I heard about that.
 

Azure

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Law is Law. If you're a great personality and you have the skills - so what if you went to a so-called "lesser" university? One of the lawyers at a top Sydney law firm is from UTS or something like that. I didn't even know they offered Law until I heard about that.
I don't get it, what's the big deal exactly? UTS is awesome. It is not a 'lesser' university.

Apparently the course at UWS is suppose to be more practical than other universities, and in terms of actual course structure is meant to be pretty good. In terms of reputation (especially with the larger firms), I'm not too sure how much prejudice you will receive, but like I mentioned earlier I have heard stories that most graduates outside of USYD and UNSW are overlooked unless they are outstanding. Obviously doesn't happen in all firms though.
 

Shadowdude

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I don't get it, what's the big deal exactly? UTS is awesome. It is not a 'lesser' university.

Apparently the course at UWS is suppose to be more practical than other universities, and in terms of actual course structure is meant to be pretty good. In terms of reputation (especially with the larger firms), I'm not too sure how much prejudice you will receive, but like I mentioned earlier I have heard stories that most graduates outside of USYD and UNSW are overlooked unless they are outstanding. Obviously doesn't happen in all firms though.
Someone said before that 'anything not UNSW or Sydney is looked down upon' so I took that into my answer.
 

twistedrebel

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Each firm has its culture, but a UWS law degree would be beneficial if you wanted to start your own small practice or something. But if you want to work in large firms your going to need to to be UTS/Usyd/Maq/UNSW to even look at your resume with UNSW/Usyd preferred. UTS/Maq Law students need to be like sports/HD average/volunteering pretty much a gun to get in.
 

DanJohnson

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Also, wouldn't the quality of your degree be better at a superior uni like UNSW? As in, you get taught better, better resources etc.
 

Azure

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Each firm has its culture, but a UWS law degree would be beneficial if you wanted to start your own small practice or something. But if you want to work in large firms your going to need to to be UTS/Usyd/Maq/UNSW to even look at your resume with UNSW/Usyd preferred. UTS/Maq Law students need to be like sports/HD average/volunteering pretty much a gun to get in.
Spot on.
 

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