When I was growing up, I can’t count the number of times I was asked which university I was going to attend; then, in my adult years the question became which university I had attended. Strangely, the question seemed to be more about the school and its location, rather than my actual studies themselves.

Fast forward to today: a lot of my friends’ children are now heading off to university, and when it comes to their children’s tertiary education, I find myself asking, “Where are they going?” rather than, “What are they taking?”

Choosing where to attend university is one of the most important decisions a student will make. Although the prestige of a university can certainly play a role in shaping a student’s future, the question must be asked: does it really matter “where“ I go to university? Shouldn’t it just be about the academic programme itself?

Let’s face it, the name of an institution can carry weight, especially in certain fields or industries — eg, law, medicine or even finance — and attending a well-known university may provide significant advantages. A top-tier university’s reputation, networks and resources can open doors and potentially enhance career prospects.

Although a degree from a prestigious institution is not a guarantee of career success, it can offer distinct advantages in a competitive job market.

So what are those advantages?

1, Stronger alumni network

One of the most significant benefits of attending a well-known university is the powerful alumni network it offers. Graduates from prestigious institutions often stay connected and help each other professionally, offering mentorship, job leads and business opportunities. Many industries – especially finance, law, consulting and technology – place a high value on alumni connections, which can make it easier to break into competitive fields.

2, Reputation and brand recognition

A degree from a renowned university can serve as a strong credential that opens doors. Employers often recognise the rigorous academic standards, research opportunities and specialised programmes associated with top-tier universities. In sectors where educational pedigree is still highly valued, such as finance, law, medicine or academia, the university name can serve almost as a “reference letter”.

3, Access to top employers and internship opportunities

Well-known universities often have partnerships with leading companies and organisations that actively recruit from their student pool. These institutions typically host career fairs, networking events and internship programmes that connect students directly with top employers. High-profile companies often prefer recruiting from prestigious universities because they know they’ll find a pool of highly qualified candidates.

4, Enhanced job prospects

Although skills and experience are crucial, a degree from a respected institution can be a signal to employers that a candidate has received a high-quality education and is equipped with the necessary academic and professional skills.

5, Cutting-edge resources and research opportunities

Top universities typically invest heavily in research and offer students access to state-of-the-art facilities, professors who are leaders in their fields and opportunities to participate in groundbreaking projects.

All of this said, although a degree from a prestigious institution can open doors, however a lesser-known university will still provide excellent academics, along with several unique opportunities that may not be possible with larger institutions.

Below are some of the key career benefits of attending a lesser-known university:

1, Personalised attention and stronger mentorship

Smaller universities often have small class sizes, which allows for more direct interaction with professors and other faculty members. This means that students may receive more individualised attention, guidance and mentorship. Strong relationships with professors can lead to research opportunities, personalised recommendations and career advice. These connections are invaluable in helping students grow, both academically and professionally.

2, Opportunities for leadership and initiative

At a lesser-known university, students are often encouraged to take on leadership roles in clubs, organisations or student-run businesses. With fewer students vying for positions, opportunities to take on meaningful responsibilities that build critical skills, such as project management, communication and team leadership, may be more readily available. These experiences can set students apart from others when they enter the job market.

3, Close-knit community and networking

Lesser-known universities tend to foster a tight-knit, collaborative community where students, faculty and staff know each other on a personal level. This can lead to more genuine networking opportunities. Employers often value soft skills, such as collaboration, adaptability and strong interpersonal communication; the close-knit community environment in smaller schools can help students to develop these attributes in ways that larger institutions might not.

4, Cost-effective education

One of the key advantages of attending a lesser-known university is that tuition fees are often lower as compared with more prestigious institutions. Graduating with less debt can provide students with more financial freedom when they enter the job market. Reducing financial stress can also allow students to focus on gaining relevant work experience, participating in internships and exploring career paths without the pressure of hefty student loans.

5, Specialised programmes and unique focus areas

Lesser-known universities often offer niche or specialised programmes that may not be available at larger, more well-known schools. For students who pursue less mainstream fields or career paths, a lesser-known university with a strong focus in that area may offer specialised courses, dedicated resources and personalised mentorship that a larger institution may lack.

6, Greater responsibility and hands-on learning

Smaller universities may offer more opportunities for hands-on learning, whether through internships, research assistantships or independent projects. This direct involvement in real-world applications can give students an edge when entering the workforce, as they often have a broader skill set than their peers who may have spent more time in large lecture halls.

From my perspective, at the end of the day, although a university’s name can bring some merit to career opportunities down the road in certain industries, it is not the be-all and end-all of academia; programme content is far more important than the university’s name and crest.

As someone who has hired many people over the years, I couldn’t care less about where you attended university. I am far more interested in what you studied and whether you have the skills to do the job.

• Carla Seely has 24 years of experience in the financial services, wealth management and insurance industries. Over the course of her career, she has obtained several investment licences through the Canadian Securities Institute. She holds ACSI certification through the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments, UK, QAFP through FP Canada and AINS through the Institutes. She also holds a master’s degree in business and management