In a previous article, we talked about the four tips you can use to improve your employability Earning a degree from a college or university is at the top of that list. Investing in a bachelor’s or master’s degree can indeed make you more appealing to potential employers, but only if you have the right degree under your belt.
Not all degrees – or majors in particular – are created equal. To be successful in a specific field, you also need to choose the perfect degree that will support your career and provide you with the necessary skills to succeed. Here are the top tips to keep in mind when choosing the perfect degree to pursue.
Tips on How to Find what Suits You
1. Listen to yourself, and ask questions about what do you enjoy doing?
2. Try using an online quiz, to assesses your qualities and the skills you have developed
3. Try to understand your learning style, what is easier for you when learning it should help you discover new subjects that might interest you. It different for everyone.
4. Figure out your future career, by making a list of potential careers that might interest you, do this by searching online and posting questions in forums
6. Get Expert advice speak to career counsel an expert may offer a fresh, more relaxed outlook on things and help with any career anxiety
7. Now start making a list, select your top choices and start researching them in depth, but keep a few back-ups in case you change your mind.
8. Get more information, factors as possible into consideration such as tuition fees, admission requirements, and distance from your home country, assessment type, classes offered, quality of education, etc.
Earning Potential
80% of professionals who choose to go back to school do so to push their career forward. Earning potential becomes an important factor to consider when choosing a degree to pursue, especially in today’s economy.
Keep in mind that there are many ways for a university degree to pay you back other than in salary or pay increase. That said, having a degree that can take your career to the next level and earn you bigger rewards is definitely a huge plus.
You can use tools such as payscale.com to learn more about the average annual salaries of different jobs, along with the degrees you need to qualify for those positions. This way, your decision to pursue a particular degree can be made with return on investment in mind.
Passion
As cliché as this may sound, pursuing a degree in a field you are passionate about is one of the best things to do. For starters, it will be much easier to stay motivated throughout the program when you love the subject you’re learning. You can also work in a field that you love from the beginning, which means you can shape the future you want according to your interests.
If you’re interested in health care, for example, you can choose from a number of programs that allow you to enter the field. You don’t have to be a doctor to be in the industry. Health law and policy courses from reputable names such as Hofstra Law allow you to enter the health care industry. A health care law degree grants you access to a wide range of jobs too.
Career Path
Of course, you can also choose a degree based on the career path you can access after completing the program. Where do you see yourself in five years? What kind of a career do you want for yourself? Plan ahead and find a program that suits your future plans the most.
Similar to choosing a degree in a field you’re passionate about, there are always options to consider regardless of the career path you want to have. Don’t hesitate to look for alternative majors that can help you get to the same destination later in your career. With more online courses and programs to choose from, finding the perfect degree to pursue is now easier than you think.