Career Planning
Career Planning
There was a time high school education was the norm. Then a bachelors degree became common place. Today it seems a masters degree is quickly becoming the preferred degree of choice by employers.
"I am still learning."
- Michelangelo
What new skills have you acquired this year? New skills can expand your marketability.
The number of positions offering salaries exceeding 50K annually and requiring a college degree has increased by 40% during the past decade. In previous generations, a college education was not as widely required.
During the industrial age, skilled labor was in greater need. Today, however, we live in an information economy. Advancements in technology have given birth to industries that did not previously exist. Employers find themselves needing a smarter workforce with jobs in a variety of sectors to include engineering, management, and business administration, where a college education is an advantage.
Obviously you want to make an informed decision. Therefore, to help you identify if higher education is even for you, let’s look at advantages higher education brings when seeking a better career.
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When you acquire a college education, you find yourself in demand and pursued for positions you could not touch previously. The world is changing rapidly. More and more jobs require education beyond high school. For instance, students with specialized science-related degrees can apply directly to positions such as Safety Engineering, Environmental Science, and DNA Analytics, all examples of highly specialized fields that have become in demand within in the past 10 years. Healthcare, Information Technology, and Automation are also areas in high demand.
An important advantage is that while pursuing higher education, students discover that they have talent or passion for a subject and begin to understand its potential in the job marketplace.
While obtaining a specialized degree is necessary in some fields, sometimes just having a college education is an advantage, regardless of the field of study. Employers want to know that their employees have a well-rounded basic education. You will find the power of this leverage when you post your resume online and find being chosen over those with little or no education. A college degree translates to higher salaries and better benefits. The US Department of Labor reported that in 2003, workers who had a bachelor’s degree earned an average of $1,800 per month more, or 62% higher in compensation when compared to those with just a high school diploma. This study further showed that job seekers with a college education still earn higher salaries, even when the degree is not directly required for the position. The US Census Bureau's 2007 median earnings for full-time workers at least 25 years old shows annual earnings, based on degree: high school diploma, $32,500; associate's degree, $42,000; bachelor's degree, $53,000; master's degree, $63,000; and professional degrees, $100,000+.
Jobs not requiring a college education typically offer fewer benefits and some provide no retirement or health insurance benefits whatsoever. Benefits of higher education can be found in success stories from students who used their college educations to attain greater achievements.
Whether currently working or not, most students get financial aid to help pay for college, and most aid is based on need. This means that the less money you have, the more aid you might get.
The Internet has made it easier for anyone to acquire a degree part-time. Although there are plenty of online resources offering an opportunity to get a degree, there are only a few worth pursuing.
Being first can be hard. You may have to describe to the family why college is important to you or explain your career objectives and how education will fit in. On the other hand, being first is likely to be a source of pride, for you and for your family.
Welcome to the club. Thousands of college freshmen haven't decided on a career, either. College gives you the opportunity to learn more about what's out there. You'll be exposed to a variety of academic subjects, people, and new perspectives, and by the time you approach graduation, you will have a clear path to your future.
The average age of those getting a degree online is 43. Some students are enrolling at 65, when it is time to retire. Colleges offer tutoring and student support. As confident as some students seem, no one goes to college knowing everything—if they did why would they attend?
It does not have to be a four-year degree. If you're not sure about college, or which college, consider attending a community college. Community colleges are public, two-year schools that provide an excellent education, whether you're considering an associate's degree, a certificate program, technical training, or plan to continue your studies at a four-year college.
Open positions:
Attend the next Get Back to Work Now Event and meet with employers in your area
