Remember how, back then, getting a job only required a high school diploma? Times have changed thanks to recent technological advancements and the ever-changing job market. Investing in continuous learning is one way to stand out and stay ahead of the competition.
Learning is a lifelong process that can add value to both professional and personal life. This detailed guide lists some benefits of pursuing further education and the long-term benefits one stands to gain.
Some of the reasons to consider further education are:
It offers a roadmap to a new career
Sometimes one’s choice of career may not be what they anticipated. Going back to school can help to gain the foundational knowledge needed to transition to a different career.
Further education is useful, especially if your skills cannot be transferred to your chosen career path. A good example is when transitioning from marketing to tech. A certificate or degree in a tech-related field is required to gain some skills and provide an edge in the job market.
Bridging the knowledge gap
Sometimes in a career, one may feel a knowledge gap between where they are and where they would like to be in a few years. They may get a job straight after high school, but after some years, they discover that the job market is changing and new skills are required.
While certain professions like law and medicine require a formal education and advanced certifications, some — like marketing — only require a certification or a course. Investing in further education helps bridge that gap and facilitates success.
Provides the skills to succeed
Further education teaches the necessary skills to succeed in a chosen field. It exposes students to different life perspectives and new knowledge in an area of interest. The best part is that students can enroll in a course without previous qualifications and gain some skills.
With these skills, one can demonstrate to their employer that they are well-equipped and knowledgeable in their field.
Increases employability in a competitive market
The job market is competitive daily, especially for skill-based industries like IT, communications and healthcare. For example, to work in public or private practice as a licensed professional counselor, one must learn different counseling techniques and human psychology. One way to do this is by attaining an online doctorate in counseling from the American International College. Students can specialize in pastoral, mental health, family/marriage or substance abuse counseling.
Getting further education through an online degree or a course makes it easier to get hired in a competitive market, as it provides skills that attract hiring managers.
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Future proof your career
The job market is constantly changing. Technology disrupts various industries, and a tough economic landscape contributes to unemployment as companies downsize. Acquiring new skills through further studies can help future-proof a career and ensure a competitive edge over one’s peers.
It is possible to learn new skills for one’s current role through a certificate program or an online course to help navigate and perform a job more efficiently. For example, pursuing a course in digital marketing can provide students with basic online marketing skills that can help them thrive in a marketing role.
Provides advancement opportunities
Advancing education does not only mean adding specific skills to one’s resume. It also involves learning essential skills that can be applied to a current role. Tasks that were complicated to perform become easier with these newly acquired skills.
Furthermore, pursuing further education allows one to take up new responsibilities they were not qualified to undertake. Over time, management will notice the improved job performance and offer a promotion.
Develop new interests
Contrary to popular belief, one does not need to follow a single career path to succeed in life.
Expanding knowledge through continuous learning may help one discover new interests in a different field. These skills can be used in a current role or assist with a change in career.
Grow a social and professional network
Further education is an excellent way to grow one’s social and professional network. In college or university, students connect with lecturers, speakers and other professionals who can provide great career advice and support.
Additionally, they can meet with other students working in different industries in a class setting. They can learn from and with other students and make meaningful connections. These connections may include people looking to hire and vice versa.
Acquire other important life skills
Investing in further education does more than equip students with skills to advance their career. It also teaches other essential life skills like communication, negotiation, teamwork, problem-solving, self-discipline, time management and leadership.
Employers are not only looking for technical skills. They are also interested in individuals with soft skills that can be easily applied in the workplace. Gaining these additional skills also adds value to one’s resume regardless of whichever industry they decide to apply for work.
Boost your confidence
Acquiring new skills through an online course or a degree is no easy feat. It is a result of commitment and sacrifice. Completing a course in a desired career field can boost self-confidence as graduates are now well-equipped to venture into a new career.
Further education improves communication skills, which increases confidence in the workplace and personal life. One can be more assertive and handle any career challenge with a self-assured mindset.
Change perspective
Gaining new knowledge and skills allows one to find solutions to emerging challenges. Training can help them acquire problem solving and logical skills, essential in handling problems most businesses face.
Increase earning potential
Employers are dealing with tough economic times and need a valid reason to increase employees’ salaries. Qualifications and skills dictate an employee’s earning potential.
By studying further, one can gain transferable skills such as advanced research skills, critical thinking, project management and data handling.
By acquiring more skills and knowledge, employees have a negotiation factor that allows them to ask for higher pay. Applying for a better-paying job with newly acquired skills is also easier.
Final thoughts
Investing in further education expands one’s knowledge, equips them with essential skills to stay competitive and increases earning potential. Conduct research, determine which career to pursue and find a course to help with attaining the necessary skills.
