Here, we share five reasons why pursuing education can advance your career at any level. 1) GAIN KNOWLEDGE This reason may be a given. When you pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’re equipped with practical skills and knowledge that you can apply to your workplace.
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Education is an influential step in staying competitive and enhancing your skills. Whether you’re starting out in your career or returning to continue to build upon your years of experience, pursuing educational training helps you keep moving forward.
On top of that, by gaining additional skills in communication and problem solving and achieving your goals, you can also increase your confidence. And studies have shown that greater confidence leads to greater career advancement.
A Forbes article by Jacquelyn Smith states that many adults return to school to enhance their career. The article cites author Laura Vanderkamp in saying that many believe “additional education will help them achieve their career goals, like making more money, advancing in their current occupation, or starting in a different one.”
Demonstrating a strong work ethic and a commitment to your goals gives management hope that you can continue to be successful in your work environment.
Pursuing education in addition to your normal work routine will most likely not make your schedule easier. It takes work and determination to achieve a degree. But doing so will demonstrate a strong work ethic to your team and your supervisors.
According to a study from the University of Melbourne cited in an article from Science Daily, there’s a strong correlation between confidence and success. In the study, participants ranked their confidence at various education levels, and findings showed that those who reported higher confidence levels earlier on earned better wages and were promoted quicker.
Claims are statements about what is true or good or about what should be done or believed. Claims are potentially arguable. "A liberal arts education prepares students best" is a claim, while "I didn't like the book" is not. The rest of the world can't really dispute whether I liked the book or not, but they can argue about the benefits of liberal arts. "I thought the movie was cool" is not an arguable statement, but "the movie was Paul Newman's best" is, for people can disagree and offer support for their different opinions.
Reasons are statements of support for claims, making those claims something more than mere assertions. Reasons are statements in an argument that pass two tests:
If reasons do not make sense in the hypothetical challenge or the 'because' tests, there is probably something wrong with the logic of the argument. Passing those tests, however, does not insure that arguments are sound and compelling.
Continuing education can mean a higher degree or attending seminars. Many companies offer workshops to inform their employees of updated procedures and protocols. They may also send an employee or group of employees to an offsite seminar so that they are up to date on new technologies and practices within their field. Not all skills can be learned within a workshop so many companies encourage their employees to obtain a new degree.
Continuing your education may not necessarily offer job security, but it can offer career security. Unforeseen circumstances happen and your employer may be forced to close the doors. If you gained your position by putting in the hard work and climbing the corporate ladder, you may have been qualified at that company but not with other businesses. Your education and degrees are what set you apart from less experienced individuals who may be contending for the same new job you are seeking.
Attending an event and networking with other professionals can reflect your dedication to learning. Conferences and events are often held in major cities but usually provide online options for those joining remotely.
The ability to take courses online means professionals can sit down to learn on their schedule without worrying about having to physically show up for a class.