New Year, New Career: How a College Degree Will Help You Get Ahead

It’s almost the New Year. What can you do to change your life for the better? Get a college degree! Studies have shown time and again that a college degree can open up career opportunities, increase your lifetime earnings, and pave the way to a better, happier life. It’s time to get ahead by getting that degree you always dreamed of. You could start a whole new career or build on the one you already have with the credentials to propel you into a better future. The opportunities are as limitless as your potential.

Earn More with a College Degree

A college degree is worth the investment. Did you know that college graduates earn more than their peers who don’t have a degree? The typical college graduate earns 75% more than workers who hold only a high school diploma.

Access a Better Future with a College Degree

Money can be a great motivator to make a New Year’s resolution. But it should never be the only reason you choose a new path. Here are some other reasons why going back to school for a college degree could be the best move of your life:

• Gain Greater Job Satisfaction with a College Degree: College graduates tend to lead healthier, more active, involved lives, and they experience better job satisfaction. A college degree opens doors and gives you choices now and into the future. Discover your passion. Choose a career that really interests you and makes use of your many talents.
• Learn Important Life Skills: In addition to your coursework, a college education will teach you important life skills such as time management, good organization, and self-discipline. You will also learn soft skills like:
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Leadership
• Access Better Job Benefits: Jobs that require an Associate or Bachelor’s degree generally offer more benefits than those jobs that only require a high school education. Benefits can include health insurance, retirement savings, life insurance, and disability insurance.
• Experience Better Job Security: As just one example, researchers from the COVID Inequality Project found that college graduates were less likely to lose their job due to the fallout from COVID-19 than workers without a college degree. This was mainly because they had jobs that could be done from home or were considered essential. A college degree could prove a buffer against long-term unemployment, helping to secure your financial future.
• Save More for Retirement: The Social Security Administration reports that college graduates were able to contribute 26 percent more to a retirement savings fund, even when high school graduates had similar incomes and access to savings plans. Many employers will also contribute money to a retirement savings fund for jobs that require a college degree.
• Find Opportunities for Advancement: With a college degree, you’re more likely to have skills that qualify you for a broader range of careers that offer more opportunities for advancement. Many high school graduates work in the service industry in lower paying jobs that don’t offer as many chances to be promoted.
• Network with Others: College provides many opportunities to meet new people from diverse backgrounds. As a student you can join professional organizations and societies in just about any field.. You can meet students like you or people already working in the career of your future; they can be great contacts to have when you graduate and are looking for that first job.

But how do you fit the pursuit of a college degree into your busy life? Will you need to quit your job and dedicate yourself full time to the pursuit of a degree? Yes, you can fit college courses into even your hectic life. No, you don’t need to quit your job. There are part time and online programs available, as well as financial aid to make it more affordable. Make that New Year’s resolution today to get ahead in your career by going back to school.

At National American University, we offer Associate or Bachelor’s degrees in a variety of careers that could help you get ahead. Do you already have some experience or a certificate in your field? You may be able to transfer those credits to your degree program so you can complete your degree faster. Call 800-209-0182 to speak to a counselor or fill out the form to request more information.