Want to accelerate your career, but don’t know where to start? The importance of a bachelor’s degree for career success can’t be overstated.
While it’s possible to advance your career without a college education, a bachelor’s degree accelerates your ascension. In fact, about three-quarters of adults without a college degree admit that a two- or four-year college degree is at least as important—if not more so—to having a successful career as it was 20 years ago.
Bachelor’s degree vs. work experience
The debate about earning a bachelor’s degree or pursuing work experience is ongoing. However, it is essential to highlight the importance of formal education and how it shapes long-term career opportunities.
A bachelor’s degree can provide the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary for numerous industries. Getting a bachelor’s degree not only helps with your personal growth but also opens up doors to various job opportunities that were not available without the baseline requirement of a bachelor’s degree.
As industries evolve rapidly, companies want employees who can adapt to changing demands. They prefer to hire and promote individuals who show initiative and a willingness to develop. With your bachelor’s degree in hand, you can move to the top of any company list. Keep reading to see how a bachelor’s degree can fast-track your career.
Top 5 ways a degree advances your career
Earning your bachelor’s degree puts your career in motion. Here’s how.
1. It shows you’ve got leadership potential.
Employers want workers that’ll go above and beyond their job description. They actively seek out people that’ll contribute value to the company, bring ideas to the table, and take them to the next level. And earning your bachelor’s degree—no matter what your degree is in—helps you become a prime candidate. It also says a lot about your commitment to your career. A bachelor’s degree can:
- Show you took the initiative to expand your knowledge.
- Set a positive example for your co-workers.
- Prepare you to take on more responsibilities.
Often, a college degree is the only thing standing in your way from getting that promotion you’ve been after. Employers will recognize you’ve invested time and sometimes money into improving yourself and are willing to reward your efforts. Similarly, when placed side-by-side with another candidate for a promotion, you’ll stand out and impress a hiring manager if you have a bachelor’s degree. In fact, according to the American Association of Colleges and Universities, “the potential for advancement is far greater for college graduates.”
To advance your career, you must seize every opportunity that comes your way. Earn your bachelor’s degree. Pick up new skills. Broaden your perspective. And most importantly, never stop learning.
2. You’ll gain real-world experience.
With the right bachelor’s program, you can gain professional work experience through hands-on learning opportunities such as co-ops and project-based work.
Co-op, also known as cooperative education, gives you the best of both worlds. You get to further your education while gaining professional work experience in the job you want. There are thousands of leading companies worldwide that are ready to employ students eager to prove their worth. Some of these companies include:
- Apple
- AT&T
- Boston Consulting Group
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- General Electric
- Microsoft
- Nike
- PwC
- SpaceX
- Thomson Reuters
- Verizon
- The Walt Disney Studios
Through your co-op experience, you’ll enhance your personal growth and set yourself apart in several ways, including:
- Putting your classroom learning to the test.
- Exploring various career paths risk-free.
- Receiving a potential job offer from your co-op employer.
- Boosting your salary potential and level of responsibility.
- Networking with professional mentors and gain valuable contacts.
- Discovering new personal strengths and skills.
The advantages of gaining this extra experience are evident. In fact, employees who complete internships receive 16% more job offers and earn, on average, $2,082 more annually compared to graduates without real-world experience.
No matter how you look at it—experiential education benefits everyone involved. The employer benefits from the fresh ideas students offer, and students receive hands-on experience in their chosen field of study.
3. Your employer will value you more.
Employees with college degrees are in high demand. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates millions of job openings for bachelor’s degree holders? in the coming decade. While earning your bachelor’s degree arms you with many skills, there are some that are the most coveted by employers, including:
- Communication and innovation: Also known as critical thinking, employers prioritize candidates who can address and solve complex problems creatively—a key driver of economic growth.
- Teamwork: Collaborative projects and group assignments in college often mimic real-world work environments, which can make you more attractive to potential employers who need team-oriented personnel.
- Strong work ethic: Completing a bachelor’s degree is a testament to your dedication and resilience, which is among the top five attributes valued by employers today.
- Technological proficiency: With the rapid advancement of technology, employers seek candidates who are not just familiar but proficient with the latest technologies.
By obtaining your bachelor’s degree, you not only increase your employability but also enhance the breadth and depth of your skills, making you a prime candidate in a competitive job market. Employers recognize the comprehensive training you receive and are eager to bring such well-prepared individuals on board.
4. You will become a fountain of knowledge.
We live in a high-velocity world. What worked yesterday is no longer applicable today. Now, more than ever, it’s important to continue learning. College teaches you how to think analytically and understand complex projects. So when you complete your bachelor’s degree, you enter the real world future ready.
Three hidden benefits of continuing your education include:
- Improved social skills: When you’re in a classroom with other students, you develop your social skills. Continuing your education helps you interact with other students, but it also helps you gain confidence.
- A renewed excitement for your work: Learning new skills, insights, and techniques to apply to your job makes it more interesting.
- A longer career: With up to 85 millions jobs becoming redundant because of automation by 2025, continuing your education may help you remain relevant in your career and keep your job for the long haul.
5. You will take control of your future.
A high school diploma is no longer enough: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a college degree is the best way to build a successful future. The employment options are shrinking for people who only have a high school diploma. Many high school graduates work in the service industry, in low-paying jobs that don’t offer many advancement opportunities. On the other hand, college graduates tend to have skills that qualify them for a broad range of employment in fields that offer upward mobility.
For instance, 20 high-paying careers that require a bachelor’s degree include:
- Advertising manager
- Paralegal
- Public relations manager
- Police officer
- Compliance manager
- Training manager
- Marketing manager
- Operations manager
- Loan officer
- Electrical engineer
- Natural resource technician
- Information technology specialist
- Art director
- Human resources manager
- Web developer
- Purchasing manager
- Business analyst
- Sales manager
- Pilot
- Social media manager
Once you earn your bachelor’s degree, you’ll be eligible for these high-paying jobs, among others, and there’s no limit to how far you can take your career.
Advance your career with a bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s a gateway to higher earning potential, greater job stability, and the managerial roles you have always hoped to achieve.
Northeastern’s programs are designed not only to equip you with in-demand skills but also to provide the practical experience needed to stand out in an evolving job market.
If you are determined to take this powerful step toward shaping your future, remember that the numerous benefits of doing so along with the support available throughout your academic journey will empower you to succeed and achieve your professional goals. Earning a bachelor’s degree could be the transformative career move you’ve been searching for.
Take the next step and request information on earning your bachelor’s degree today.