In today’s uncertain economy, job skills and a good education are more important than ever. Although it might seem like an uphill battle, there are options for people who are looking to better themselves and their families. How can you get ahead when the economy is looking so anemic?
Consider earning an Associate’s Degree. It takes half the time and half the expense of a four-year degree and the rate of return on the investment is well worth the effort.
*What is an Associate’s Degree?*
Completion of a two-year course of business study at a community, junior or business college level will earn you an Associate’s Degree. An Associate’s Degree is considered a “transfer”? degree, meaning it can count toward the first two years of study for a Bachelor’s degree, which can take another one to four more years of courses to complete, or can be an end product itself.
This type of degree is regarded as an “entry-level”? degree that prepares students for business from the ground up. A student can then elect to take their degree directly to the work world, or continue on to earn their Bachelor’s.
As an “entry level”? degree, an Associate’s Degree opens up opportunities and will get your foot in the door of many different career choices. According to the Bureau of Labor, the following careers all show positive growth through the year 2016.
*How am I Supposed to Pull This Off?*
Our lives are busier now than they’ve ever been. It’s difficult to fit educational needs into already tightly scheduled days. However, the payoff is worth it, and there are some options as far as getting it done.
*Grants, loans and scholarships.* There is a lot of financial help out there if you know where to look. Research online, talk to students who have completed their degree and ask questions. Call the library, talk to a high school or college guidance counselor. Don’t overlook even the tiniest grant or scholarship– they all add up.
*Community colleges.* Community colleges are often less expensive and centrally located. Some offer special programs for the “non-traditional”? student who may be working and supporting a family. Call the college and set up an appointment with the guidance or financial counselor, and see what they can do for you.
*Online universities.* Finding an accredited university online that offers the course study you require is a great option to explore. With online courses, you can study at your own pace, and fees are usually much lower since you’re avoiding campus overhead. However, make sure you find out if any of your grants or scholarships are compromised by taking courses online; some do not support the online format for education.
*Company support.* Some employers offer a program to compensate their workers for taking courses or earning a degree while employed. Talk to your Human Resources department to see if there is such a program available where you work, and take advantage of it. It’s not a benefit if you don’t utilize it!
Earning an Associate’s Degree can help you find employment, increase your chances of promotion and a raise in pay or lead to further education. In these tough economic times, we all need every edge we can get. An entry-level degree can lead to all kinds of opportunities and is well worth the initial investment.
It’s grim out there, for all of us. Planning ahead and acquiring a degree may go a long way toward making things just a little bit more secure for you and your family.
*Top Ten Jobs Requiring A Two Year Degree*
The career options for two-year grads are vast and varied. Here’s a list from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics on the top jobs that require a two-year degree:
* *Computer Specialist:* A Computer Specialist is an expert who provides technical consultation to users, and also offers assistance in the daily maintenance of computer systems and networks.
* *Dental Hygienist:* A Dental Hygienist works under the direct supervision of a dentist and teaches patients proper oral health care, including preventative care and maintenance. Depending on state regulations, some hygienists can also become licensed to administer anesthesia, clean teeth and provide tooth whitening and other restorative techniques.
* *Fashion Designer:* A Fashion Designer conceptualizes and designs clothing, shoes and accessories by studying fashion trends, fabrics, patterns and production.
* *Registered Nurse:* A Registered Nurse’s duties vary greatly depending upon the chosen workplace, but all RNs evaluate and treat medical conditions by analyzing a patient’s medical history, performing diagnostic tests and administering medications and rehabilitation recommendations.
* *Environmental Engineering Technician:* An Environmental Engineering Technician assists environmental engineers in the development of methods to monitor and correct all types of environmental hazards.
* *Radiologic Technologist/Technician:* A Radiologic Technologist administers x-ray examinations. They also prepare patients by clearly explaining the procedure, positioning them properly, and protecting surrounding areas from exposure to potentially harmful radiation.
* *Industrial Engineering Technician:* An Industrial Engineering Technician assists engineers and scientists in research and development in areas of industry. They can have several different specializations, such as logistics, production design, quality, or sales.
* *Paralegal/Legal Assistant:* A Paralegal or Legal Assistant provides administrative support to a lawyer, law firm or governmental agency. Working under the direct supervision of a lawyer, a paralegal assists in completing the legal work which is fundamental in sustaining a successful practice.
* *Occupational Therapy Assistant:* An Occupational Therapist Assistant works under the guidance of an occupational therapist. As a part of a team, an Occupational Therapist Assistant plays a vital role in teaching patients with physical or mental disabilities to perform everyday tasks.
* *Computer Support Specialist:* A Computer Support Specialist provides technical assistance, support, and advice to computer customers or users.