What do you think about higher education, is it necessary these days?

My first question would be: "Necessary for what?" To get a job, it certainly makes it easier in many industries. The emergence of coding bootcamps and portfolio-based resumes for designers makes it less important. I went to a large university and frankly don't think my education there has had much impact on my career (if any). But I do believe that my time there was instrumental in learning about myself and learning how to become an adult.

In the Philippines, it's a big deal. It's a good gift to our parents, but for me, one should be free to do whatever he wants after he obtains his diploma. :)

In any field, I believe there is enough knowledge on the internet that each person with dedication and motivation can become an expert in their chosen field. However, formal education gives credentials and proof that the person passed specific lessons. Moreover, people learn to be disciplined with formal education, which might be an asset later. Also, formal education gives a roadmap of what a person should learn to have working knowledge in the field. If a person can have the discipline to be a self-learner, hold themselves accountable and create a roadmap for themselves, they can have the same, if not more, knowledge in a specific field.

Depends on what you're doing. Doctors and Lawyers, please go to school. Everyone else, well, eh. That degree will not have value to an employer. Trust me.

Higher education is perfect for networking however, it does not make your future career.

no

Wow! there's a lot being said here.. and I haven't gone through the earlier replies. But - my view is a big NO! I have been actively pushing my cousins and younger folks in neighbourhood to take an academic break or push their Graduate studies by a year or two - instead work in a startup or learn new skills and build shit. Academia is fast losing relevance in our today and tomorrow.

No. Particularly around an MBA. I signed up at my university and started my first semester. I really found the financial course helpful but totally lost interest as soon as I was asked to write a business plan. In todays environment we build pitch decks and one pagers not 30-50 page business plans. So is it necessary - absolutely not hit up edx, udemy and others to learn what you need.

Let me give you an answer I always give to the people I interview for my company. Your qualification does not matter when you have proven something already in your domain. For most of the people I work with, I do not prefer to ask about their qualifications. I am a founder and CEO of a company, and for your information, I am also a Solution Architect, and I don't have a post-graduation degree or an MBA degree but leading a big team. I hope this answer will help you to understand where the degree matters.

I think Curiosity and being autodidactic is more important today, But at the same time, the connections you make in higher education are really helpful.