university degree

Parents question if university degree was worth it in today’s job market

University used to mean a ticket to a secure future. Now, many parents are not so sure. A new study from Invicta Vita shows 44% of UK parents call it the best decision for their child—while 44% call it the worst.

This division reflects a growing mismatch between what families expect and what graduates actually face. A degree once promised stability and success. Instead, many leave university with debt and few job prospects.

Degrees no longer guarantee career success

The same study highlights the emotional and financial strain on families. Over half of UK parents (52%) have searched for jobs on behalf of their adult children. One in six used personal contacts to help secure employment. One in three delayed retirement, as adult children still live at home without stable work.

Founder of Invicta Vita, Georgina Badine, says: “We’ve long encouraged university as the default path to success. But now, families are wondering: was it worth it?”

With UCAS admissions already down 5% year-on-year, many parents now see university as one of many options, not the only one.

Invicta Vita offers career solutions that work

Invicta Vita exists to meet this moment. This women-led firm offers tailored support for career growth and workplace conflict. Their handpicked team of mentors helps young people—and their parents—build confidence and clarity.

Meet the Invicta Vita team:

Rahul Aggarwal brings 30+ years of cross-border business strategy and compassionate communication.

Rasika Lall champions women’s empowerment with 25 years of leadership at Accenture.

Jowita Penkala supports burnout recovery and stress management through corporate training and advocacy.

Raghav Parkash coaches public speaking and confidence building with a focus on overcoming imposter syndrome.

Joanne Bursford offers leadership development and empowerment, drawing on 35+ years in hospitality.

A new path for today’s graduates

Invicta Vita means “invincible life”. Based in London, www.invictavita.com supports people at every career stage—from confused graduates to mid-career professionals seeking change. University still suits many—but it is no longer the only way forward.

By Fergus McCarthy

Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.