Not a matter of degrees
Mike Lockey

A recent survey in Britain of young Asian businesspersons has revealed that more than half of them believe that business experience in the real world is of far more value than continuing with further education up to degree level. Of course, the mantra used to be "education for education’s sake" — which meant that a university education was good in itself; it did not necessarily mean more money or a better job, but it did mean a more rounded and better informed person.

So how, or why, has their been such a change in young peoples’ thinking? Dr Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, senior lecturer in entrepreneurship and family firms at Brunel University and author of Succession Issues in South Asian Families, is not surprised at the findings in the report.

"Changes in economic conditions and rising costs associated with education have led many students to question the benefits of continuing with their studies. While this dilemma is certainly not confined to the Asian community, many younger members of this group come from business backgrounds and have greater exposure to the pros and cons of entrepreneurship when making their choices," she explains.

Iqbal Wahhab, the restaurateur responsible for one of London’s leading Indian restaurants, the Cinnamon Club, was in broad agreement, saying: "I am in the restaurant business, which is completely unlinked to my degree in government studies".

"Times have changed from 40 years ago when our parents came to this country. Then, it was felt that, as Asians, we must be doubly equipped and that we would not get anywhere unless we load up on degrees. But the largely British-born second generation has not inherited the same fears and are more keen to get stuck into the real action," Wahhab said.

There are, however, still many who consider that education is of crucial importance — Lord Swraj Paul, the steel tycoon who has built up a fortune of some 450 million franks for example.

His response to the findings in the report was: "I don’t want young boys and girls to start feeling as if education is not important. Education is like raw material on which you can build your life — just like you can make a good dish only out of good raw ingredients". And that is a point well made. — ANI

HOME