Preview of Degrees and Certifications Section
In almost every aspect of the US job market, earning a college degree or professional certification is the surest way to increase one's job opportunities, income possibilities and job security. According to the US National Center for Education Statistics, 25-34 year-olds who have a bachelor's degree or higher earn at least 60 percent more than those with a high-school diploma or GED. These are averages however, so individuals who choose to forego an academic degree program may find careers that pay well but require a much shorter educational program.
The articles in this section provide potential students an overview of what they need to know about degrees and certifications to help make informed decisions about their education.
Career Planning
Due to the rising costs of college education, it is more important than ever for students to determine their career direction before going too far with their education. There are many well-paying professions that only require an associate's degree or that are better prepared for by attending a vocational or career school that provides useful hands-on skills. Blindly jumping into a traditional four-year academic college career without a clear direction can result in a drain on financial resources, large loan debts and spending longer than necessary to complete a degree. Worse yet is graduating with a major for which there are few jobs or for which the jobs require a higher level degree than expected.
Gaining an understanding of the different degree levels and degree types is an important part of college planning which the following two BrainTrack articles cover: Types of Degrees and Schools and Levels of Degrees.
Career, Vocational and Technical Programs
For individuals who would rather work than go to school but still want to earn a good living, shorter career or vocational programs may by the right fit. They provide an education that is specific to the job a person is training for without extraneous courses that won't be used in the real world. BrainTrack's Career and Vocational School Programs - An Overview provides information about these options and Deciding Between Academic and Career Programs will help individuals make a smart decision about what type of education is right for them.
Certifications
One of the fastest and least expensive ways to improve one's job opportunities and salary is to obtain a certification that is valued in the industry they work in or intend to work in. Certifications ensure individuals have learned skills and knowledge that is relevant to a specific job and are a great way for individuals to prove their abilities to an employer. There are certifications in many computer support fields as well as in a number of business professions. Some certifications require prior education and/or experience but others are designed for entry-level job seekers. Learn more about certifications by reading BrainTrack's Certifications Overview article.
Trends
There are a number of changes underfoot regarding degrees and certifications. Three-year bachelor's degree programs, doctoral degrees for nurses and the growing importance of online schools are all trends worth knowing about. Read Degree and Certification Trends to learn more about ongoing changes in higher education.
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