Recognizing The Value Of A College Degree

There are multiple reasons why students aren't able to obtain their degree during their first run at college. Whether it is the financial obligation college brings, having children, the need for a steady income, or any one of life's other challenges, it is not uncommon that people choose to return to school later in life to complete their degree

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However, more and more jobs require employees to have a post-secondary education. In fact, by 2018, about two-thirds of all jobs will expect higher learning on resume submissions, as predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts. That means if you want to be successful and retain a job you enjoy, going back to obtain a Bachelor's degree is essential.

It's hard to choose a career to pursue for the rest of your life when you're in your high school and college years. Whatever path you have started in your youth may not have been the best fit. Now that you're more mature and have valuable life experience under your belt, it's much more likely that you know exactly which type of career you would excel in. While you can transfer some of your skills and knowledge to a new career, a college degree will show employers that you're up to date on current trends in your given field and are motivated to excel in the workforce.

You Are Not Alone

If you're worried about being the only adult in a classroom full of college-aged students, there's no reason to fret. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of adults enrolled in college is expected to grow twice as fast as traditional aged students from 2009 to 2019. Moreover, you may even find that you have a lot to offer in classes with younger students. Your experiences and insights in the real world will be valuable to those who haven't had the chance to be out on their own.

Get in the Drivers Seat

Once you have found a degree program that suits your interests and can help you change or enhance your career, it's up to you to get the most out of your education. Whether you are pursuing an online degree or are on-campus student, utilize the student support at your campus to complete your degree and succeed the second time around.

Keep your eyes on the end goal, and realize that there is no better investment than a college degree.

About the author

Caroline Gulbrandsen

This article was written by Caroline Gulbrandsen, Dean of Faculty at the Rasmussen University — Rockford, IL college campus. In this position, she oversees degrees in business, allied health, education, technology and more. She brings 20 years of experience–working as Assistant Director for the Professional Development and Training Office at the University of Miami and has designed numerous faculty and professional development programs. Caroline holds a M.Ed. from Florida Atlantic University and a B.A. in English from the University of South Florida.

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This piece of ad content was created by Rasmussen University to support its educational programs. Rasmussen University may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees for a list of programs offered. External links provided on rasmussen.edu are for reference only. Rasmussen University does not guarantee, approve, control, or specifically endorse the information or products available on websites linked to, and is not endorsed by website owners, authors and/or organizations referenced. Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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