Choosing a degree program that works for you
When asked to cite the hardest part of their college experience, incoming freshman list picking a major as one of the top obstacles in their education. This section
focuses on ideas to consider when you're trying to pick the education and career path that works for you.
Think about the following simple statement: You are more employable with an associates degree than no degree. If you plan on working while attending school and you want to shoot for a Bachelor's degree (or higher), earning the associates along the way can increase your earnings as you go. And if you're working at a job where obtaining an associates degree will not increase your earnings, consider moving on. Sometimes making more money means jumping ship instead of waiting for a promotion, though this isn't always the case.
Find something you love.
So, here's the thing: college is expensive. And although you might love to play video games, watch football, or go shopping... it's not easy to find a career or degree program that allows you to do exactly what you love doing. However, when you're trying to make a choice about a longterm education and career path it helps to think of what you love doing and work with the idea. Consider the following examples.- You enjoy shopping for clothing and keeping up with trends. There are an increasingly large number of degree programs in Fashion Design and Fashion Management. Schools like the Art Institute offer forward-thinking degrees for fashionable students. You may have an interest in advertising or marketing programs as well.
- You love sports and can't keep your mind off the game. New programs in Sports Management offer the jocks a course path that covers the foundations of all things sports-related. Check out the University Of Phoenix online or other accredited universities that offer flexible programs that provide interesting sports-centric courses.
- If you could only major in Xbox... you'd graduate with honors. Areas of study that might be of interest to the gamer gone graduate include an associates in video game design (also an increasingly popular program) that can be completed onsite or online.
Know where you're needed.
Your reason for going to school should be the end result: a diploma.
A degree opens doors, builds character (and the resume), and exposes you to a world of opportunity that
wouldn't otherwise exist. If employability, opportunity, and right-out-of-school employment is your goal (it probably should be near or at the top of your list), it helps
to look for areas where there is a shortage of good graduates. Take some time to look over the chart above for more information on where the openings are predicted to be
over the next 5-10 years.
Think about the following simple statement: You are more employable with an associates degree than no degree. If you plan on working while attending school and you want to shoot for a Bachelor's degree (or higher), earning the associates along the way can increase your earnings as you go. And if you're working at a job where obtaining an associates degree will not increase your earnings, consider moving on. Sometimes making more money means jumping ship instead of waiting for a promotion, though this isn't always the case.