How Can higher education
help in keeping up with
success?
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
We are often a witness to how employers and business owners have comments on the unfortunate gap between college degrees and their abilities to take on challenging employment positions. While qualifications from leading or popular universities are a credential in itself, more employers are on the lookout for professionals who can be job-ready. Although this can be particularly alarming for individuals who have newly enrolled themselves into postgraduate or doctorate programs, it is necessary to understand how such qualifications can support your employment journey.
A recent report from The Economist suggests that education has transitioned from a premium to a mandatory element. It further reveals that the value of education increases as more students graduate from universities and schools. This is specifically high in sub-Saharan or African countries where the working class enjoys a raise of over 20%. On the other hand, this is lower in Scandinavian countries with an average raise of just under 10%. In line with this, it is important to explore how higher education can pave an avenue for individuals to retain innovation, adaptability and change as they pursue competitive positions in the corporate world.
An increase in job opportunities
Having a qualification from a reputed university with prestigious accreditation has rewarding opportunities which become more accessible considering the institution’s strong corporate associations. Research suggests that college graduates have 57% more job opportunities compared to individuals who opt to take the non-graduate route. Furthermore, researchers agree that by the end of 2021, two-thirds of jobs will require mandatory postsecondary education. Apart from widening one’s employment prospects, a college education can help one channelize their skills and expand their network with peers, advisors, mentors and professors. All of this only makes one more confident of their abilities with in-depth subject knowledge and exploring new ventures.
Elevated earning potential
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the average salaries for diverse education levels are revealed. The data shows that the greater the level of education, the higher one can expect their salary to be. The difference is highly significant and striking.
- Individuals without a high school diploma can expect an average salary of $520 per week; bring the annual income to a total of over $27,000.
· On the other hand, people with a high school diploma can earn an average of $712 per well, resulting in a total of over $37,000.
· Lastly, people with associate degrees can earn over $800 and can earn an annual income of over $43,000.
In a nutshell, the higher academically profound one is, the higher the chances of landing in larger corporations with competitive salary and benefits.
Nurturing personal growth
If you aren’t intending to look for a successful career from the subject you have earned a degree in, you perhaps may be questioning the value of that qualification. However, there is more to it than a piece of paper. Throughout the education journey, many students find this experience extremely rewarding as they gain additional skills such as writing clear, consistent, winning pitches, team management, polished presentation skills and building a strong network with professors and other faculty associates.
Although the cost of a qualification can be quite overwhelming or daunting, however, the ROI is much higher, especially when enrolled from a leading higher education institution. Along with improving one’s employment prospects, this can also positively impact on their soft skills, communication and other management abilities. All in all, a higher education degree in today‘s world can be the key to success.
Dr. Sanjay Batheja has completed his dual master degrees from the top rated University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA) in 1998 and has earned a prestigious Masters in Business Administration with a specialisation in Human Resources and a top 10 ranked Masters of Science in Information Systems. He has received his Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from a leading Swiss University in 2017.
Dr Sanjay Batheja has over 22 years of Educational management experience. He welcomes you to explore your options at Capital University College.
44 | BIZPRENEUR MIDDLE EAST June 2021
BY DR SANJAY BATHEJA