The job market is a highly competitive space, so standing out in a mix of people is vital to gaining the best roles. The number of people with higher education qualifications, including bachelors and master’s degrees, is on the rise, but that does not mean they are less valuable than previous. What is more, many people use their degrees to start businesses and organizations and bring new and exciting opportunities to the market.
If you have ever wondered if it is necessary to have a degree – then in some cases, the answer is no. However, many careers now expect higher-level education on entry and certainly for progression. So, if you are in two minds whether or not to complete a degree, check out some of the ways having one will benefit you in the long term.
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Improve job prospects
Depending on the type of job you want to go for, there will be a standard of education to meet. In many cases, there are more jobs available to people with degrees than those with a high school education, so you may be pipped to the post if you do not have one. It is not just the choice of jobs available that increases either. The connections you make could also bring new opportunities and networks to light via peers, faculty members, and industry professionals. When you have a chance to show others what you can do, it opens many doors when new jobs arise.
Degrees are more accessible
Traditionally degrees were only accessible if you could go to university or study at night school. However, there are tons of online options to help you complete this next step. Examples such as Merrimack College Pathway Bachelor Degree Completion offer professionals of all levels and backgrounds the chance to complete their degree and enhance their CV. There are different specializations available, including education, health, wellness, leadership, and communication studies, and many more. The skies the limit!
Improve your earning potential
Another great reason to get a college degree is to improve your earnings. It is no surprise that as you work your way up the education ladder onto bachelor’s and master’s degrees, that earnings also follow suit. The Bureau of Labor Statistics highlighted in 2018 that those with higher education qualifications earned more in the long term and held higher position jobs. While degrees are an investment in time and money, you can expect to gain better rewards when gaining these qualifications.
Enhanced job satisfaction
Being happy in your job is essential for many people. Millennials are some of the first generations to say job satisfaction is valued higher than earning a big wage. However, figures reveal that obtaining a bachelor’s leads to higher satisfaction in a job compared to high school graduates. Some of the reasons behind this could be attributed to working in a specialism of the employees’ choice rather than just ‘getting by’ in a role. Other aspects include receiving respect and admiration for the skills and knowledge gained by a qualification and relevant experience compared to unskilled work.
Improves confidence
When you enjoy what you do and are good at it, it naturally improves confidence levels. Degree-level courses also enable students to look outside the comfort zone and try new things to enhance their skills. Improving personal growth and self-esteem go hand in hand and contribute to feeling a sense of achievement and pride when completed. Throughout a degree course, learners also gain skills to improve their understanding and abilities, such as presentation skills. Learning new things such as presenting improves communication and projection. It gives individuals the confidence to talk about complex subjects with conviction.
Stepping stone to other courses
Completing a bachelor’s degree also gives you the option to move forward to higher qualifications such as a master’s or Ph.D. This course is an excellent base of education for further learning and equips you with the challenge of more complex subjects and specialisms.
Choose to specialize in your career
A good standard of high school education is an excellent base for entry-level jobs. However, if you want to progress to specialist areas, then completing a bachelor’s is the best option. You can choose from a range of subject areas such as business management, education, psychology, and many more. With a specialism under your belt, you will enjoy a great choice of careers with better pay opportunities and benefits.
Gaining a degree opens doors to all types of careers and roles in the public and private sectors. You can also explore starting your own business with the skills learned at this level. The selection of courses available makes it easy to take the next step to finish a degree course and pave your journey to a rewarding and exciting career.
