The idea of returning to school as an adult is usually overwhelming. You may have decided that you were finished with schooling the minute you walked out of your high school. Years later, you began to notice the benefits of a college education and considered returning. It probably seemed like a lot of work and an almost impossible task. Although returning to college as an adult does require some planning, research, and special accommodations, the rewards are worth it. Obtaining a college degree can improve parts of your life that you never expected.
Increase current earnings
Multiple studies have researched income levels of adults with no college education, minimal college education, and some type of a college degree. In a 2012 Pew Research report, workers with at least a bachelor?s degree has median annual earnings of $45,500, well over the median?s for people with only some college ($30,000) or a high school diploma ($28,000). The general consensus is that the more education you receive, the higher your earnings will be.
Opens up new job possibilities
One of the most common complaints among workers with no education is a feeling of being stuck. They may crave better hours, more income, and work benefits. However, they are stuck in their current jobs, because they do not have the skills to move to another job market. A college education can open up new job possibilities, also improving the chances of the many benefits that come with these types of jobs.
While some jobs prepare you for specific working industries, such as Master of Business programs and a degree in Psychology, other degrees prepare you for a wide range of career possibilities. A communications degree, for example, can improve your chances of obtaining a position in a business human resource setting, or as a speech pathologist in the educational settings. Communications and other interpersonal types of degrees are great for those who wish to return to school, but do not yet know what industry they want to pursue.
Teaches in demand job skills
Some may wonder why some college education, without completion of a degree, earns a higher income than those with no amount of college education. That is because, even without the completion of the degree, college courses teach employee candidates in demand job skills. Communication degrees require a series of skills related courses, such as communications and speech, interpersonal relationship skills, and effective communications courses. These types of skills transfer into many different job settings. The completion of these required skills courses translates into higher earnings, both monetary and satisfactory, with the average hourly wage for college graduates being about $32.60.
Builds your resume
Most jobs receive hundreds, sometimes thousands of applications for one open position. A person who is highly qualified may never even get an interview. Many employers scan through resumes, looking for keywords and key activities, simply to narrow down their results. Attending college and completing specific courses or degrees adds to your resume and makes it more attention grabbing for hiring employers. Employers tend to pay more attention to resumes that are fuller and contain more relevant skills and experience.
Teaches dedication
Some employers do not care what a degree is in. They simply look for the proof that a degree was completed, as it shows dedication. Dedication is a skill that is very important to the success of a business. Employers find this attractive because the dedication often transfers into the line of employment, making them a better employee investment. Approximately 83% of all college attendees say earning their degree has paid off.
Many high school graduates believe that jumping right into a career is the right financial move. Although this may be the case for some, others may quickly find that they are stuck in their positions, with little room for improvement. A college degree can improve many aspects of a person?s employment possibilities, including a higher income, better benefits, more desired job skills, a stronger resume, and a sense of dedication and completion. The majority of college graduates feel that they have gained some benefit from their college degree.
