For a great number of reasons, having a post-secondary education is vital to furthering your career– no matter your field or profession. In today’s business world, your options for career advancement can be limited –or sometimes eliminated– by not having a post-secondary education. Many types of careers actually require post-secondary education as a prerequisite for entry to that particular field. Even in those occupations where post-secondary education is not a mandatory prerequisite, it is certainly viewed in a favorable light by employers.
When employers go through the process of screening job applicants, they look to find candidates who have the skills and knowledge to effectively perform the essential functions of the job that is available. However, employers also want to select candidates who are likely to have long-term success within the company, giving them reason to remain with the company for a long period of time. In other words, employers try to reduce the potential for turnover by hiring highly qualified candidates who not only have a genuine interest in the job for which they are applying, but also an ability to grow and expand to new and higher positions.
When you have completed a post-secondary education in your chosen field, you demonstrate to employers that (a) you have formal training that has prepared you with at least entry-level skills related to that occupation and (b) you are committed to pursuing a long-term career in that particular field. The fact that you started and completed a post-secondary education program gives employers confidence in both your qualifications and your commitment. Because of this, the completion of post-secondary education in the field is often the deciding factor in the hiring process.
Even if you were able to gain employment in the field of your choice without any post-secondary education, it is certainly in your best interest to pursue continuing education if your want to advance your career. By pursuing advanced education related to your career field, you will acquire skills that help you perform better in your job. Additionally, your actions will demonstrate to your employer your continued commitment to your chosen profession.
Having a post-secondary education can also benefit you financially. Without a post-secondary education, there are a number of jobs for which you will not even be eligible for consideration. For many positions, the starting salary differs depending on the level of education that you have completed. Many times, pay raises and promotions are also tied to completion of post-secondary education programs. Therefore, while you might be able to gain entry to a particular occupation without a post-secondary education, you can’t move up –or make more money– until you complete additional studies.
By: Amy Nutt
Posts Tagged ‘Occupations’
The Importance of Post-Secondary Education in Furthering Your Career
April 28th, 2010Pros and Cons of Online Education – 5 Things You Need to Know
March 24th, 2010
Of course there are pros and cons to earning your college degree online. It is important for you to know what that means to you. This article will cover several of those points. If it appears that online education is right for you there are many websites that will help you find the online college degree education program that is the best for you.
Accreditation: Not all schools are created equal. Make sure that the online college you are considering has the appropriate accreditation. Find out what accreditation is required for the particular career you are seeking. This will vary amongst occupations and professions. (of course this is true of traditional campus based schools as well)Financial aid: Recently legislation was passed that forbid the withholding of financial aid to a student at an online school based on that fact alone. However, this may still be an issue. Learning style: Online education is not for everyone. Some people are more social and less technologically inclined and find that a campus based school meets their abilities and personalities better. If you are self-driven, have a basic knowledge of computers, and do not need a campus to meet your social needs, then online education may be better for your style.Transferability: If you start an online program and then decide to transfer to another campus-based college, you will want to make sure your online credits will transfer. This is a question you need to ask the advisor before you select a school. On the other hand, choosing an online school will allow you to continue your education program even if you have to move, change jobs, or undergo some other new obligation. Creditability: Despite the fact that online degrees are increasing by 20% each year, as opposed to campus-based colleges which are increasing only 2% each year, some potential employers may not give an online degree the came credibility as a traditional campus based college degree. You need to do your homework here too. Ask potential employers what the general feeling is about online degrees, this can vary greatly related to occupation and the level of the degree you are seeking. Earning a college degree takes planning and perseverance. You need to make sure that you do your “homework” and select the program and the method of education that will best suit you and give you the “bank for your buck”. Make sure you ask the right questions of both campus-based traditional college education programs and online or distance college degree education programs. Talk to the advisor at whichever type of school you choose and make sure you understand the pros and cons.
By: Tara Peterson
Interior Design Distance Education – A Great Way to Further Your Education
December 27th, 2009
Are you creative? Do you have imagination? Are you artistic? Then you should consider one of the exciting and lucrative careers in Interior Design. Are you located many miles from an accredited interior design school? Then interior design distance education is a viable alternative. Many programs are offered online so that geographic location is no longer as important today as it was just a few years ago.
Many schools offer distance learning as another way to generate revenue. It is very important to research the institution to find out how the course is presented online. In addition, will you be properly prepared to enter the world of Interior Design? Interior design distance education is a great way for a working person to continue their education or realize a dream.
Interior designers need to be creative and they need to be disciplined, organized and have good social skills to deal with many different clients. Interior design distance education will teach the interior design student how to implement their creative ideas and how to be a successful businessperson.
Interior Designers work involves both residential and commercial. If the student signs up for Interior Design distance education, they may find a specialty that they would eventually like to focus on. The opportunities are endless when it comes to areas of specialty. Designers may focus strictly on a specific industry such as the hospitality industry or perhaps the medical industry where the designer focuses on waiting rooms for Doctor’s offices.
The US Bureau of Labor statistics indicate that three out of ten Interior Designers are self-employed which is four times the proportion for all the professional and related occupations.
Interior Design distance education is not for all design students. You must know yourself; can you work on your own without the structure of a classroom? If so then it could be a great way to further your education and allow you to find that dream job in the Interior Design field.
By: Tom Houser
