In recent years, one of the most profound developments in the education scene is the proliferation of part-time degree programmes. They are aimed at working adults who missed the opportunity to obtain a tertiary education when they were young and now want to upgrade their qualifications with a view to enriching themselves or changing careers.
In Hong Kong, where the population is relatively lowly educated, it is encouraging to see hundreds of thousands of working adults investing time, energy and money to enhance themselves. Yet, there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that the feverish interest in lifelong learning has not only given rise to credential inflation, but also encouraged many people to obtain qualifications they don't need.
This sounds patronising, as no one should be discouraged from trying to learn more. But employers are complaining about getting applications from candidates who are over-qualified on paper, but under-skilled for the advertised jobs. That is worrying.
At a recent forum on education, I heard from a businessman that over the past decade, he had worked with three secretaries, all of whom had done MBA degrees in the hope of advancing themselves. But after spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on fees and countless hours slogging through their studies, the three women were still secretaries, said the businessman, who felt that the chances of them ever becoming managers were slim.
When employers recruit, they are scouting for candidates with the right aptitude and credentials are only one of the things they look at. They are more likely to be deterred rather than impressed by an applicant with a long list of qualifications, but has not excelled in any of his past jobs.
The Post in January featured the story of a 46-year-old single mother who earned $18,000 a month as a university clerk. Through part-time study she earned three degrees - BBA, MBA and Master of Education - in seven years. They cost her $240,000 in course fees, which she financed by bank loans. Her improved credentials failed to lead to a promotion or a career change. Instead, because of government cuts in university funding, her salary was being reduced.
Meanwhile, as the universities' continuing education divisions have seen dramatic rises in enrolment, psychiatrists say more people are developing mental problems caused by the pressure of studying and working at the same time.
