THE world is rapidly changing and the careers landscape is very different from when my generation entered the world of work.

A good degree is no longer a guarantee of a good job, and there is a far wider range of possibilities open school leavers and graduates.

There is clearly still much to be said for school leavers to follow the university route, enjoying further study and also benefiting from the social and extracurricular experience.

They will, however, be paying off their student tuition fees and loans for many years to come — so it’s essential that they make wise choices.

A recent graduate recruitment survey from the Higher Education Statistics Agency is very encouraging and suggests that the university route still has much to commend it to young people. 78.5 per cent of the 316,690 students who graduated in the summer of 2016 took part in the survey which revealed that the unemployment rate six months after graduating is the lowest since 1989, which considering the financial crisis of a number of years ago says something very positive about the current UK economy.

Indeed, the unemployment rate for recent graduates has only been lower in three years over the past 40. There has also been a sharp rise in those going on to further study. The average starting salary of £21,176 is very similar to recent years.

However, university isn’t necessarily for everyone and many young people are aware of the debt they may be incurring, and they may not feel they are getting good value for money.

Many courses, for example, involve significant amounts of independence and self-discipline and a limited number of structured tuition.

Therefore, for some young people, they may prefer to enter the labour market and benefit from extra training whilst working and earning.

Others may win highly prized apprenticeships which may also include study for a degree.

Whatever the case, it is strikingly clear that initiative and perseverance are needed to organise work placements, to gain internships, to take extra courses, to do some volunteering — all of which help the best job-seekers to stand out from the crowd in a highly competitive arena.

It isn’t simply about exam grades: interpersonal and soft skills are of vital importance.

My advice to young people is simple: when choosing option subjects or when choosing a route post school, do what you really enjoy, what most captivates your interest. It’s likely that this will result in greatest long-term success.

But also, take an active interest in the numerous opportunities offered such as visiting speakers and careers advice: this will mould aspirations and help young people to realise their dreams.