Although the cost of college has increased, the demand for bachelor’s degree holders has increased as well. The truth is that a college degree doesn’t necessarily guarantee you a job, but it could immensely increase your chances of being considered for a better paying position over someone who only holds a high school diploma.
There are many reasons why having a bachelor’s degree can help boost your career. While it is possible to move up in the ranks of a company without one, someone who has a bachelor’s degree can easily outrank you. Often, the decision regarding your education can be the determining factor as to whether you will be chosen for that position.
Sometimes Experience Doesn’t Matter
Sometimes it will not matter how long you’ve worked at a company or how loyal of an employee you are. If you don’t have the drive and the willingness to grow, you could be replaced by a new employee. Employers are looking for applicants with experience and training that will allow them to exceed the boundaries of their existing duties.
In cases like this, experience in one organization may not be enough. With technology rapidly evolving and advancing, some companies are adapting to it and improving their processes.
Earning your bachelor’s degree equips you with the knowledge and skills to be a preferred candidate among applicants. Here are other ways that a bachelor’s degree can benefit your career.
-
Higher Earning Potential
There are no guarantees in determining exactly how much money you can earn with a bachelor’s degree. However, SmartAsset.com states that the average earnings for workers with a bachelor’s degree work out to $59,124 per year. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) conducted a study that suggested that a high percentage of workers with a bachelor’s degree earned more money than those without, according to Study.com.
Furthermore, the National Association of Colleges and Employer’s (NACE) 2014 study found that the average starting salary for graduates with a bachelor’s degree is $48,127. Keep in mind this is the median salary, so depending on what your major is and what industry you plan on going into, the starting salary may vary more or less.
-
Applicable for More Job Opportunities
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2019, the employment rate was higher for those with higher levels of educational attainment. For example, the employment rate was highest for 25- to 34-year-olds with a bachelor’s or higher degree (87 percent).
A bachelor’s degree not only prepares you for a focused area of study, but it also equips you to successfully operate in professional job settings. Bachelor programs also help you to communicate effectively with your colleagues and business partners, making you a more well-rounded employee fit for a broader array of job industries.
-
Possibility for Advancement
Many companies and larger corporations prefer to hire within because the learning curve and the adjustment period is quicker. Internal employees already understand the company culture and are well acquainted with the existing staff. Even with all of this taken into consideration, employers do not rule out hiring externally if it’s necessary.
Employers are looking for someone who can do the job and contribute value to the company. Often, internal employees might get comfortable with their position and confine themselves to carrying out tasks listed in their description and nothing more. Applicants with bachelor’s degrees have already been trained in multi-tasking several projects and meeting deadlines. Bachelor’s degree graduates are ready to do their job and take on more responsibilities thanks to the training.
A Bachelor’s Degree Gives You Experience
Some bachelor programs will offer internship opportunities. What some colleges and universities might not tell you is that you have the power to pursue your internships. If you are enrolled in a bachelor’s program, many companies will welcome the assistance of students who are looking to contribute their talents and gain experience in the respected industry.
Some internships are paid while others are not. But before basing your internship decision on whether it pays, consider what kind of work you’d be expected to do as well as the kind of experience you could take away from such a position. Many students have walked away from great internship opportunities and possible full-time job offers that can come with that experience.
More Access to Resources
Earning a college degree also gives you the opportunity to network. Your classmate who is majoring in business might be the next president of a major corporation and by sharing the same alma mater, you may be able to conduct great business-to-business deals for your own company. Joining a student organization while earning a bachelor’s degree is a strategic way to start networking with classmates. Developing good relationships during your college career will help you sustain them as you graduate into the professional workforce.
FNU: Equipping You with the Knowledge to Make Better Choices
Florida National University (FNU) offers multiple different bachelor’s degree programs including:
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Finance
- Health Service Administration
- Information Technology
- Legal Studies
- Marketing & Sales
- Natural Sciences
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Respiratory Therapy
- Physical Therapist Assistant
For more details about the type of courses offered within these programs, view our academic catalog here. If you need help deciding which bachelor’s program is best for you, give us a call at 305-821-3333 or contact us today to schedule a meeting with one of our admissions representatives.