Adult education has received more attention over the last ten years. As the economy dipped, more people were finding that a bachelors degree would give them an edge in an increasingly competitive job market. Are you considering the pros and cons of continuing your education?
Even with a steady full-time job, it is always wise to know what your options are in terms of other employment. A bachelor of arts degree in communication studies looks great on a resume when paired with work experience. It shows the applicant is likely to have effective communication skills and the necessary grit to succeed in a work environment.
At times, an adult who is much older than the average college student may feel uncomfortable. This is an unfortunate and inaccurate reaction for two reasons. Firstly, colleges are meant to teach students. Age has nothing to do with a student’s ability, discipline, or time management skills. Secondly, any effort you take to improve yourself personally and professionally is admirable.
A masters degree in adult education has the potential to take a career further than simply a bachelors degree in adult education. That extra period of study goes just a little more in depth into a subject. This results in a more specialized knowledge, with the effect of the degree holder appearing to be an expert in that area.
It is true that there have been college dropouts who have gone on to achieve great success. A few notables are Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Evan Williams, and Michael Dell. Notably they are all entrepreneurs from the computer science category.
When considering if a college education is necessary, do not look at the outliers. Look instead at the averages. For example, the average college graduate averages about $32.60 an hour at work. The average starting salary of college graduate with just a bachelors degree is $45,000 per year. Compare that to people with some college, with an annual salary of $30,000, or a high school diploma, which nets you $28,000 annually.
College costs money, no one will deny it. But not going to college will cost you too, about $500,000 in salary, benefits, and pension over the course of your life. Do you really want to gamble that away?
A masters degree in adult education or psychology may seem to lead to an uncertain future. A bachelors degree in English gets a particularly bleak prediction. But those are speculations, not a peak into a crystal ball.
In actuality pursuing a course of study at a university will lead to more job opportunities over the course of a person’s life. A masters degree in adult education opens doors, while staying stuck in the same limited knowledge simply does not. If you are considering pursuing higher education after a significant period of time away from schooling, it certainly doesn’t hurt to know your options.
