I wish I could say I knew the exact moment when I decided to drop out of university. My sixth form prioritized going to university above any other path, so with little knowledge about other options, I applied to study journalism. I thought I was going to take the usual route into the profession: a degree followed by a series of internships and finally a staff job. Instead, I left the course after the first year because I struggled to engage with it; I realized I’d be better off learning on the job.After two years in retail, a spell in marketing and a lot of annoying editors and applying for jobs, I landed a staff role on a weekly magazine before going freelance at the beginning of 2016. With hindsight, I don’t think my career would have taken off any quicker had I completed the degree. Some people I’ve met were still interning two years after graduating and, in my experience, success rates seem to have more to do with contacts.Of course, some careers will always require a degree but I believe many industries, particularly creative ones, don’t necessarily require a qualification. When asked whether I have a degree during interviews, I always tell the truth . Both times I’ve been questioned, I’ve been offered the job, but it doesn’t often come up in conversation.I wouldn’t actively encourage anyone to drop out of university. If you’re really unsure about going, it’s better to look at alternative options rather than start a course and run the risk of quitting. Find out if vocational options, like apprenticeships, are available in the industry you want to work in. A hands-on route into a career might be better for you than an academic one.But if you are considering leaving university, do as many work placements as possible to come out armed with practical experience in your preferred industry. Research the sector you want to work in and, if necessary, start building a portfolio to demonstrate your experience. Don’t be afraid to contact businesses to ask about work placements and freelance opportunities, explaining your practical skills and that you want to gain work experience.1. Why did the author drop out of college?A) She found she didn’t like journalism any more.B) She wanted to learn journalism while working. C) She had to first improve her economic status.D) She thought the usual route took too much time.2. How does the author think of her decision to drop out?A) She feels it is worthwhile. B) She feels a little regretted.C) She thinks she would have developed better if she had got a degree.D) She has mixed feelings when she recalls her decision at that time.3. What do you think “the truth” refers to?A) She had no qualification but she desired to get the position.B) She left the course but she gained relevant work experience. C) She didn’t think the job she applied for required a degree.D) She had creative ideas and she took a degree for granted.4. What does “hands-on” probably mean?A) systematicB) practical C) undemandingD) theoretical5. What is the author’s advice for those who want to drop out of college?A) Think twice before they drop out of college.B) Consider other alternative options in advance.C) Put what they have learned into practice.D) Gain practical experience in their dream field.

I wish I could say I knew the exact moment when I decided to drop out of university. My sixth form prioritized going to university above any other path, so with little knowledge about other options, I applied to study journalism. I thought I was going to take the usual route into the profession: a degree followed by a series of internships and finally a staff job. Instead, I left the course after the first year because I struggled to engage with it; I realized I’d be better off learning on the job. After two years in retail, a spell in marketing and a lot of annoying editors and applying for jobs, I landed a staff role on a weekly magazine before going freelance at the beginning of 2016. With hindsight, I don’t think my career would have taken off any quicker had I completed the degree. Some people I’ve met were still interning two years after graduating and, in my experience, success rates seem to have more to do with contacts. Of course, some careers will always require a degree but I believe many industries, particularly creative ones, don’t necessarily require a qualification. When asked whether I have a degree during interviews, I always tell the truth  . Both times I’ve been questioned, I’ve been offered the job, but it doesn’t often come up in conversation. I wouldn’t actively encourage anyone to drop out of university. If you’re really unsure about going, it’s better to look at alternative options rather than start a course and run the risk of quitting. Find out if vocational options, like apprenticeships, are available in the industry you want to work in. A hands-on   route into a career might be better for you than an academic one. But if you are considering leaving university, do as many work placements as possible to come out armed with practical experience in your preferred industry. Research the sector you want to work in and, if necessary, start building a portfolio to demonstrate your experience. Don’t be afraid to contact businesses to ask about work placements and freelance opportunities, explaining your practical skills and that you want to gain work experience.1. Why did the author drop out of college?A)  She found she didn’t like journalism any more.B)  She wanted to learn journalism while working. C)  She had to first improve her economic status.D)  She thought the usual route took too much time.2. How does the author think of her decision to drop out?A)  She feels it is worthwhile. B)  She feels a little regretted.C)  She thinks she would have developed better if she had got a degree.D)  She has mixed feelings when she recalls her decision at that time.3. What do you think “the truth” refers to?A)  She had no qualification but she desired to get the position.B)  She left the course but she gained relevant work experience. C)  She didn’t think the job she applied for required a degree.D)  She had creative ideas and she took a degree for granted.4. What does “hands-on” probably mean?A)  systematicB)  practical C)  undemandingD)  theoretical5. What is the author’s advice for those who want to drop out of college?A)  Think twice before they drop out of college.B)  Consider other alternative options in advance.C)  Put what they have learned into practice.D)  Gain practical experience in their dream field.