The Importance Of a Bachelor's Degree to Easily Find a Job

Education (S1) plays an important role in one's life, both in terms of personal development and professional aspects. Increasing Job Opportunities A bachelor's degree is often the minimum requirement for many jobs. In a competitive job market, companies tend to prioritize applicants who have a bachelor's degree over those who only have a high school diploma or equivalent. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in 2021, the open unemployment rate (TPT) in Indonesia for college graduates is lower than that of high school graduates. The TPT for S1 graduates is around 5.98%, while high school / vocational school graduates have a TPT of around 8.55%. Research from the OECD shows that college graduates around the world tend to have higher labor force participation rates than those who only completed secondary education.

A bachelor's degree is generally associated with higher earnings. With higher education, one can access higher paying jobs and better career opportunities. Based on a 2020 BPS report, the average monthly income for those with a bachelor's degree is around IDR 4.96 million. Meanwhile, those with only a high school degree have an average income of around IDR 2.89 million per month. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the United States, the average annual income of someone with a bachelor's degree is $67,860, higher than those who only have a high school diploma, with an average annual income of around $38,792. An undergraduate education provides an opportunity to deepen knowledge in a field of study of interest, as well as develop critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving skills. These are skills that are highly valued by employers in various sectors. BPS 2021 notes that S1 graduates have better literacy and numeracy skills, which directly contribute to their ability to adapt in a dynamic work environment. According to a report from the World Economic Forum, 65% of children currently entering primary school will work in jobs that do not exist today, and the analytical and adaptive skills acquired through undergraduate education will be crucial in the future.

An undergraduate education not only offers the opportunity for better paying jobs, but also provides the skills, knowledge and connections needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world. For individuals, investing in undergraduate education can bring many benefits, including better social and economic mobility.