How important is a university degree in Singapore, really?

BukLau SG

I recently graduated with a Diploma in IT Security from a local polytechnic.

I only have a average GPA so I would most likely have to go to private/overseas Unis. Do private/overseas unis provide me with the same opportunities as a NUS/NTU graduate(same pay, chance of being hire/promotion, etc.)?

How important would a university degree be to my career in the future? I personally think that in the field of IT, experience beats academic achievements easily. I feel like the things I learned in school would have almost no use when I go out to the working world and I learned more things during my 6 months of intern than my 2.5 years studying in school. Which is why I would prefer to start working instead of going to university. There are also a lot of self taught programmers who are earning big bucks.

But obviously, it wouldn't matter if I am more competent than uni grads if I don't get employed right? So the big question is, if I start working right now vs I go to university first then start working, which 'me' will be more successful in the long run(e.g. higher pay and position)?

TL;DR

1.Private/overseas universities vs NUS/NTU: how much does it matter?

2. In the field of IT, getting a degree vs working straight after poly, which one will most likely be more successful?

FireIce SG

I personally think that in the field of IT, experience beats academic achievements easily.

i personally think that in the field of IT, indians and pinoys beats us (to jobs) easily

so yeah, get that degree

it's not an advantage, it's now the bare minimum.

ArthurWang SG

Although the government is trying to change the paper chase mindset of Singaporean, a degree still hold the key to opening better job opportunities. So, I would say, go for it.

Leejya SG

Just a safety net to open more doors for those who aren't sure about their path in life yet.

Larry Hunt SG

Although you are partially right to say that experience beats credentials, but let's face it - you are in Singapore, a place that values credentials a lot. Having a university degree will provide you the path to achieve better. How you tread the path thereafter is up to you. But suppose you have a diploma, you would not even be given the same opportunities as someone with a degree in the first place.

If you ask me, an IT-related degree from NTU/NUS will be more recognised than private. Success depends on how well you work. But always remember, the door must be open first before you can even walk through.