"The qualities a person needs to become successful in today's world cannot be learned at a university or similar academic institution. To what extent do you agree or disagree？

Success is a very subjective term. It is very difficult to define a successful life. All too often we equate a successful life with material possessions. Yet, there are millions of people out there who lead successful, fulfilled lives and are not financially sound. They may not be rich in the financial sense, but they are rich in life and values. Therefore, I partially agree with the statement.

Undoubtedly, a university education is essential if you want to have a career in a profession such as law, engineering, teaching, or medicine. What is more, it opens more doors than you would have if you didn't get one. A university education is a great platform in learning more and gaining valuable knowledge in the field we are passionate about. Also, the university is a great place to network for friends and business associates or partners. So, definitely, in this respect, university education can help you get success.

However, there are other types of people who make it big without going to college. For instance, those who start their own business. These people took risks pursued a dream. And, for them, it was a very profitable decision. Take for example, Michael Dell, the founder and CEO of Dell who dropped out of college at 19. He first started his computer company in his college dorm room, later using company’s earnings and family loans to expand. Henry Ford never graduated high school, but went on to start one of the largest automobile manufacturing companies in the world, Ford Motor Company. 

Furthermore, in today’s scenario, people with some talent, for example, in the entertainment or sports field can achieve name and fame very soon. The reality shows have made it possible for the girl or boy next door with some talent achieve success overnight. Finally, a university education does not generally enable you to achieve successful relationships with family and friends. 

To put it in a nutshell, I pen down saying that the attributes needed to become successful in today’s world do not necessarily depend on a university degree. However, in some situations such as professional courses, it is needed to get success.