Faculdade ainda vale a pena? Curso Técnico ou Faculdade? - com Ben Zruel

Summary

The video discusses the growing dissatisfaction with higher education in Brazil, highlighting issues such as high dropout rates, the lack of practical skills in traditional university programs, and the oversaturation of graduates in the job market. The speaker reflects on their own disappointing college experience and examines the financial strain on students. They argue that courses focused on practical, technical skills, such as programming or vocational training, are more aligned with current job market demands. The video emphasizes that traditional degrees no longer guarantee job security and urges a reevaluation of educational paths.

Takeaways

• 😀 High dropout rates in Brazilian higher education: 57% nationally, 60% in private institutions, and 40% in public ones.
• 😀 Many Brazilian students face financial challenges, with 90% having family incomes of up to 3 minimum wages, making it difficult to afford tuition.
• 😀 A large portion of students pursue degrees in fields that do not guarantee a stable job, leading to frustration post-graduation.
• 😀 There is an oversaturation of degree holders in Brazil, with a growing number of graduates annually outpacing the job market demand.
• 😀 Traditional university education, particularly in fields like law, is often criticized for focusing on theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills.
• 😀 Despite the increase in university graduates, many students are not finding jobs in their area of expertise, especially in fields like international relations, social services, and philosophy.
• 😀 Courses like medicine and engineering, once seen as secure career paths, now face oversupply, leading to fewer job opportunities in the long run.
• 😀 The rise of online education (EAD) shows a trend where more than 60% of students opt for long-distance learning, but this comes with drawbacks like lack of networking and fewer opportunities for hands-on experience.
• 😀 There is growing concern about the outdated educational model in Brazilian universities, with increasing automation and artificial intelligence reducing the relevance of traditional degrees.
• 😀 A shift towards more technical, skills-based education, such as courses in programming, cybersecurity, and digital marketing, is recommended to better align with job market needs.
• 😀 Technical courses offer high employability rates, with 85.6% of technical graduates employed, and these courses are typically shorter, more affordable, and more focused on marketable skills than traditional university programs.

Q & A

What is the main reason for the high dropout rate in Brazilian universities?

The main reasons for the high dropout rate in Brazilian universities include financial difficulties, the illusion of securing a job in the field, the poor quality of education, and a saturated job market.

What was the dropout rate in Brazilian universities in 2023 compared to 2013?

In 2023, the dropout rate in Brazilian universities was 57%, with private institutions at 60% and public institutions at 40%. In comparison, the dropout rate in 2013 was only 11%.

How does the dropout rate compare between traditional in-person courses and distance education (EAD)?

The dropout rate for traditional in-person courses is 52%, while for distance education (EAD), it is higher at 64%.

How does the number of people graduating in Brazil compare to population growth?

The Brazilian population grew by 2.3% in the last 20 years, while the number of young people graduating from university increased almost threefold, from 3.5 million to 9.9 million.

Which professions are particularly challenging when it comes to finding employment after graduation?

Professions such as international relations, social work, pedagogy, arts, philosophy, and social sciences face significant challenges when it comes to finding employment after graduation.

Why is the medical field becoming more saturated in Brazil?

The medical field in Brazil is becoming more saturated because the number of medical graduates is set to double in the next 10 years, resulting in a surplus of doctors far exceeding the actual demand based on the country's population.

What are some fields of study that still show strong demand in Brazil?

Fields like programming, game design, digital marketing, and cybersecurity show strong demand, as they are aligned with current technological advancements and the increasing need for practical skills in the workforce.

What role do technical courses play in the Brazilian job market?

Technical courses are highly valuable in the Brazilian job market, with a high employability rate. According to research, 85.6% of technical course graduates are employed, with 75% in formal positions, and some sectors have employability rates up to 98%.

How do technical courses differ from traditional university programs in terms of time and cost?

Technical courses are generally shorter in duration and more affordable compared to traditional university programs. They are also more focused on practical, job-specific skills, leading to higher employability and quicker entry into the workforce.

What is the main criticism of traditional university programs in Brazil?

Traditional university programs in Brazil are often criticized for being outdated, with too much theoretical content and insufficient practical training, making graduates less prepared for the rapidly evolving job market.