Philadelphia Tribune - Index

Philadelphia Tribune - Spring 2009 Education Guide - Index

Philadelphia Tribune
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 Page 7
Important first step for job security
A troubled economy and rising
unemployment are likely to
have many people worried
about their job security these
days. Distinguishing yourself
from the pack through career
development can help you not
only increase your job security,
but also make more money, get
ahead professionally, or even
change careers.
“Setting goals to develop
your career is just the first
step,” says Steve Krenzer, president
of ClassesUSA.com. “You
also need to put a plan in place
to accomplish them. Fortunately,
several of the most
sought after career objectives
may share a common solution
— improving your education.”
Going back to school can be
the first step in accomplishing
several life-enhancing goals —
goals that take on an even
greater importance in a down
economy.
Here are four professional
objectives that you can jumpstart
by continuing your education:
1. Earn more money
Nearly everyone agrees
they’d like to make more
money, especially in the current
economic climate. Higher
education can help make that
dream a reality. The higher the
degree, the higher your earning
potential.
According to U.S. Census
Bureau data, workers with a
bachelor’s degree earn, on average,
about $25,241 more per
year than workers with only a
high school diploma. A master’s,
professional or doctoral
degree can earn you an average
of another $25,257 over
peers with only an undergraduate
degree.
2. Get ahead professionally
In a turbulent economy
where broad job losses are
making the job market even
more competitive, having an
edge can make all the difference.
Whether your goal is to
find a better job, earn a promotion
in your current job or simply
to survive a downsizing, education
may give you that competitive
edge.
Earning a bachelor’s or advanced
degree is a great way to
expand your qualifications and
improve important skills. If you
need more instant education
gratification, consider a certificate
program, many of which
can be completed in a matter of
months.
3. Start a new career
Whether you’re motivated by
a thirst for new challenges, or a
shortage of opportunities in
your current field, changing
careers can be difficult to accomplish.
Gaining additional,
applicable education is a great
way to show potential employers
that you’re committed to
your new career choice, and
that you’ve got the knowledge
and training to succeed.
4. Be more assertive
Being a wallflower could hold
you back professionally, as
well as personally. If you want
to be your company’s superstar,
you need to be willing to
speak up and push for your
ideas — and to do that, you
have to be confident. If you
lack confidence at work, consider
pursuing additional education.
Not only will you benefit
from the knowledge and
skills you’ll gain, but adding a
degree or certificate to your
name could give you the boost
in confidence you need to
stand up and get noticed at
your place of business. Additionally,
the newfound confidence
you establish at the office
can enhance your efforts to
be more assertive in other
areas of your life.
With options like online
learning, night classes, accelerated
degree programs, and
certificate programs it’s easier
than ever before to go back to
school. Free online resources
like ClassesUSA.com can help
you find programs that fit your
needs.
“We set goals because we
want to improve our lives,”
Krenzer says. “Getting a better
education can be an important
first step in achieving several of
those life-enhancing goals.” —
Courtesy of ARAcontent