Dear Editor,

Dr Van Der Rowe, an experienced lecturer, recently shared a powerful reflection on LinkedIn that deeply resonated with me. He recounted a moment when a student asked him, “What matters more – qualifications or experience?” That question sparked an honest and thoughtful response about the value of both academic credentials and real-world exposure.

As I read his post I could not help but reflect on the Jamaican context — wherein so many young people grapple with this very dilemma. His insights inspired me to join the conversation and share some thoughts on how we might better guide and support our youth.

In Jamaica, where youth unemployment remains a pressing issue and access to tertiary education is still a challenge for many, the debate between qualifications and experience is not just an academic exercise, it is a deeply practical one. For many young Jamaicans the decision to pursue further studies or enter the workforce is shaped by economic realities, family obligations, and limited opportunities. On one hand, qualifications offer a structured foundation. They open doors, lend credibility, and often serve as necessary benchmarks for professional advancement. On the other hand, experience fosters adaptability, deepens understanding, and helps develop essential workplace and life skills that formal education alone may not provide.

The challenge is that too often these two paths are framed as mutually exclusive. But they should not be. Instead, we must adopt a more integrated approach, one that encourages our young people to pursue both and creates opportunities for them to do so. Work-integrated learning, for example, should become a standard feature of our education system. Schools, colleges, and universities must strengthen partnerships with industries to offer internships, practicums, and apprenticeships that expose students to the real world of work while they study. Such exposure not only enhances their employability but also enriches their academic learning.

In the same vein, we must work to elevate the status of technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Far too often vocational paths are treated as secondary or less prestigious, when in reality they offer practical routes to employment and entrepreneurship. With the right investment these programmes can equip young people with both certification and hands-on skills, positioning them for success in a range of industries, including construction, agriculture, hospitality, and technology.

At the same time we must foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among youth. Starting a small business, launching a creative project, or developing a community initiative are all powerful forms of experiential learning. These opportunities teach initiative, problem-solving, and leadership in ways that traditional classroom settings may not.

Government agencies, corporate partners, and tertiary institutions all have a role to play in supporting young innovators through mentorship, training, and seed funding, particularly in growth areas such as climate resilience, digital services, and sustainable development.

Structured mentorship is another critical tool in which we must invest. Many young people lack access to informed guidance that can help them navigate the complexities of career development. Mentorship bridges the gap between aspiration and reality, providing insight, encouragement, and perspective. We need more experienced professionals stepping forward to guide the next generation, helping them make informed decisions that reflect both their passions and the practical demands of the job market.

Finally, we must rethink how we design scholarship and grant programmes. Too often these opportunities are based solely on academic performance. While excellence should be rewarded, we should also recognise the value of practical engagement. Scholarships that include requirements for community service, internships, or research projects will help students develop as well-rounded individuals, capable of both critical thought and impactful action.

To the young people asking whether to pursue qualifications or experience, my answer is this: Aim for both. Let your academic pursuits be driven by curiosity and purpose, and let your experiences sharpen your skills and character. A degree might get you through the door, but your experience will help you stand out and move forward. We must move beyond outdated dichotomies and instead build a national framework that prepares our young people to be both thinkers and doers — fully equipped to lead in a rapidly changing world.

Leroy Fearon Jr

Educator and researcher

leroyfearon85@gmail.com