Boost Your Salary By Going Back To School

Workers with secondary degrees earn at least  $30,000 more per year, on average, than those with high school diplomas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. What’s more, average annual income increases with every additional degree. Pursuing higher education can be a big investment of time and money, but it’s one that pays back. Whether you’re currently employed in an industry you love or you’re  in the middle of a career change, education of any kind can have a big impact on your professional success. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career – and your earning potential – consider going back to school to grow your skills and your professional network.

Before you dive into a time-consuming and challenging degree program, think carefully about the specific skills you would like to develop through higher education. If you’re already happy in your current job and industry, consider which skills might qualify you for higher-earning positions. Read  job postings for your dream role, and look at the “Qualifications” section. Make a list of specific skills that you would like to have after going through an education program. Certain jobs may ask for general education levels, such as a Bachelor’s Degree. Others may want very technical skills, like html or data analytics.

Once you have an idea of the program you’d like to pursue, you’ll have to take into account many other factors, including length of program, price and location. If you decide to take time out of the workforce to pursue full-time education, you will be able to reach your goals more quickly, but you will also have the added expense of living expenses without an income. Consider shorter programs, such as professional development classes or degrees that will build your skills in a specific area with a smaller investment of time and money. Two-year associate degrees  can yield a big salary bump without the four-year investment of a bachelor’s degree. Many of these programs can be done remotely, and you can even earn your  accelerated associate degree online for a more convenient way to grow your skills.

If you do take the plunge and decide to invest in your education, make the most of your time. Take classes suited to your specific professional goals, and complete your assignments thoughtfully and thoroughly. This will make a good impression on your teachers, who may be able to help you secure employment after completion of your program. Network with classmates in order to discover job opportunities, and take advantage of your school’s career development staff to help you turn your educational growth into salaried growth in the professional workplace.

If you’re feeling stuck in your professional life, education can be a great way to boost your skills – and your salary along with it. Consider investing in yourself by going back to school and furthering your confidence and professional achievements.