By community correspondent Rosie Saxe ‘Educating Brown’ As a student myself I am currently trying to discover whether if in this day and age, there are successful careers ahead for people who have not studied a Degree but may be equally as talented as graduates?

Whilst one can’t put a price on education, the Government seems to be encouraging my generation to go to University more vigorously than before, whilst increasing fees! I agree that a better educated nation will undoubtedly lead to a more rewarding future and better economy for us all, but perhaps not if studying for and attaining a Degree will leave me struggling with 12 years of debt. Is it really any wonder that I question why there is such pressure to become a graduate? What happened to getting a job and working one’s way up, rather like my parents did?

The answer of the moment seems to be that in the face of economic recession, going to University provides you with three years' grace before having to worry about seeking employment. However, I must ask how leaving University qualified with a Degree - not to mention a student debt of £15,700 on average (according to estimates collated by Callcredit information group for 2009) can be much of an advantage when employment opportunities are so very thin on the ground?

As much as I would like to believe that sheer determination, talent and passion to succeed in any career will be sufficient, I have a feeling that for most students today, pure luck and the knack of "being in the right place at the right time" are more likely to dictate their future employability.