Introduction: The question on many graduates’ minds
Across nations, universities produce millions of degree holders who enter a labor market far different from the one imagined during campus celebrations. The headline question—”Were their degrees wasted?”—is often less a condemnation of individual effort than a reflection of evolving job markets, skill mismatches, and the complex realities of how value is measured in education today.
What we know about degree outcomes
Longitudinal studies consistently show that many graduates eventually land work related to their field only loosely, if at all. Some pursue roles that utilize critical thinking, problem solving, and communication—skills honed during higher education—while others move into occupations that require less formal education. The reasons are multifaceted: geographic constraints, salary considerations, the timing of job openings, and the desire for meaningful work beyond a diploma. When people end up in roles like fishmonger, livestreamer, or tyre mechanic, it often reveals the labor market’s demand for a mix of technical skill and adaptability rather than a single credential alone.
Profiles from the broader labor market
Consider a spectrum of outcomes: a graduate who becomes a fishmonger may bring analytical thinking, budgeting, and customer service experience to a family-owned shop. A livestreamer might leverage understanding of audience engagement, content planning, and basic analytics—skills that are valuable in marketing and digital media. A tyre mechanic brings problem-solving, safety awareness, and practical repair knowledge that’s essential in a fast-paced service industry. These examples aren’t failures of education; they illustrate how learning translates into a diverse and resilient workforce.
Skill transferability over direct alignment
Many employers prioritize transferable skills—communication, teamwork, reliability, and critical thinking—over a perfect match between degree subject and job duties. When graduates can articulate how their education shaped their approach to problems, they can bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application. This transferability is a reminder that higher education often serves as a foundation for flexible, lifelong learning rather than a fixed career blueprint.
Why underemployment happens—and what it doesn’t say about you
Underemployment isn’t a simple verdict on a person’s worth or effort. It can reflect macro forces: automation, sector shifts, and the expansion of freelance and gig work. It can also signal that the most immediate job—whether in a store, on a production line, or online—pays the bills while a person seeks a long-term fit. While some may eventually return to roles closely tied to their degree, others find success in pathways that value continuous skill-building, entrepreneurship, or apprenticeship-style training.
Lifelong learning as the real outcome
Ultimately, the story isn’t about degrees alone; it’s about ongoing learning. The skills acquired during higher education—critical analysis, discipline, and the ability to learn—can empower graduates to adapt to evolving industries. Institutions, policymakers, and employers are increasingly recognizing that supporting a continuum of learning—from vocational certificates to advanced degrees—helps people move across sectors without losing momentum.
What universities and employers can do
To reduce the stigma around non-linear career paths, universities can emphasize career services, experiential learning, and clearer signals about how degrees map to market opportunities. Employers can value practical experience, internships, and evidence of applied problem-solving. Together, they can turn perceived misalignment into a broader, more inclusive definition of success—one that honors both credentialing and the real-world trajectories of graduates.
Conclusion: The value of education in a changing economy
Were degrees wasted? The answer is nuanced. Degrees equip graduates with versatile capabilities that matter in today’s labor market—creativity, resilience, and the capacity to learn continuously. When graduates transition into varied roles, it often reflects a dynamic economy that rewards adaptability as much as specialization. In that light, the true value of higher education lies not in a single destination, but in an enduring ability to navigate change.
