No matter where you are in life, it is always a good idea to further your education. Obligations such as work and family shouldn’t deter you from the education that will allow you to advance your career. Learning new skills and earning a degree can open possibilities for anyone, whether it means a promotion at work or starting a new career. Finding the right university with flexible courses can make earning your education easier. The following are some of the top reasons why it is never too late to further your education and how to make it happen.
Get ahead with education
Whether you want to enter the world of higher education for the first time or go back to school after years, earning an education is worth it. A higher degree will open doors for you in the professional world and help you get where you want to go. If you want to change your career, advance in your current field, or simply learn new skills, then it is never too late to enroll.
Some studies have shown that earning your bachelor’s degree means you can earn up to $60,000 per year on average. When you go back to school and earn your master’s degree, your income increases on average an additional $20,000 per year, which equals over $80,000 annually on average. It seems clear that investing in your education means big financial rewards in the long term. Whether you are able to get a promotion and pay increase at your current job or you are seeking a job change, the knowledge that you gain with higher education should mean an increase in your pay.
Many college students are able to make their education more affordable. In the US, you might qualify for a college education tax credit if you earn less than about $80,000 alone or about $160,000 in household income if you file taxes jointly. This means that if you spend a certain amount at an accredited institution, then you probably qualify for up to a $2,500 tax credit annually. Incentives like this make college more affordable.
College that fits your schedule
Our lives are usually busy with work, family, friends and other things that put our time-management skills to the test. Whether you work long hours, work nights, have children or fill your time with other activities, there are ways that you can further your education. If you worry that you might not have time to go back to school full-time, then know that today there are a variety of ways that college courses have become more flexible.
Enrolling in a few classes on a part-time basis can minimize time spent doing homework, which frees up your time for everything else. The most flexible style of learning is online, so seek out a university that offers online learning courses that you can complete from the comfort of your own home. This alleviates the need for things like driving to a college campus regularly or having someone watch your kids if you have children.
Check out Washington State’s online MBA program if you have your bachelor’s and want to earn a higher degree through online learning courses. You can earn more and find a more rewarding career with an MBA. This degree can open job opportunities to you, such as Marketing Director, Operations Manager, and Chief Financial Officer.
One of the benefits of college is meeting other like-minded professionals. Building your professional network is important in advancing your career. You might be wondering how to network while completing courses online. The answer is simpler than you realize. Connect with classmates online through discussion boards that your professor likely set up, schedule study sessions online via video chat or in-person at the school library, and then add other prominent class leaders to your social media profiles or exchange email addresses to stay connected after class ends. Remember to connect with your professors as well. It is not uncommon for professors to help students find jobs upon graduation.
Keeping all of these things in mind, it is clear that education has become more available to just about anyone. No matter what keeps you busy, there are ways to earn your education that fit into your schedule. Going back to school on a part-time basis or taking courses online can be the key to completing your degree and earning more money. Once you find a university that offers classes with the flexibility that you need, you will find that you can earn your degree and advance your career.
