University Degree: A Passport to Open Doors

I see a lot of negativity towards university degrees on LinkedIn.
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There are parts I agree with:

1. A degree doesn't guarantee a successful career.
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2. If you have demonstrable skills for the job plus an emotional quotient, then a degree matters less.
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3. The curriculums sorely need an update and alignment with industry demands.
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However, a university is not a complete "waste of time" as some claim it to be.

Apart from the learning, the sheer persistence required over several years in a competitive environment helps build mental strength for a job or entrepreneurship.

You don't just develop that with online tutorials.

At the end of the day,

You need to solve hundreds of problems right, individually and in groups. You can't just come up with fluff.

You have to navigate constant pressure & deadlines.

You're forced to think in abstraction, even if some courses may be overly "academic".

E.g. While I could have learnt the basics of coding on my own, the structured regimen, access to instructors & peer discussions helped me a ton.

Comparing self-learning to a university is like comparing a treadmill to a marathon runner. The dynamics are totally different.

A degree is more than just a "passport" to open doors. It certifies that you're cut out for the long game.