Earning a Career After College
There are jobs, and there are careers. Jobs tend to be shorter term and done purely to make a living. A career, on the other hand, is long-term. It’s something we plan for and spend a good part of our lives involved with. Ideally, a career is something we’re passionate about!
A single job may or may not be part of a person’s overall career. Many people simply take random jobs to “get by” while they take other steps toward a career — such as earning a college degree. Not all careers require a college degree, but holding one offers several advantages. Degrees open doors to more opportunities, help you qualify for advanced positions, and typically get you a higher starting salary. In fact, degree holders may earn hundreds of thousands of dollars more in lifetime earnings than their non-degree-holding peers!
Making a Career Change?
Choosing a career path doesn’t mean locking yourself into a box forever. Sometimes the careers we choose at one point in our lives simply aren’t as desirable at later points. This is especially true in our ever-changing world, as technologies alter how society does business. But it’s also true from a personal perspective, as people shift priorities and discover that they want to do something “different” with their lives.
That’s why around the nation, employees of all ages are deciding to either climb the ladder or switch careers altogether. The movement is prompting workers to take charge of their lives and return to school so they can reposition themselves for that next promotion or a new career path. Some returning students opt to go for a certificate so they can get quickly trained and ready to work right away. Others dig in for a longer haul, starting a new bachelor’s program or applying to a graduate school program for a master’s or doctorate.
Changing careers can be a tough call, but making the decision is the hardest part. After that, it’s easy to build momentum and keep your enthusiasm running high!
Internships
Internships are one of the best ways to gain practical work experience as part of your overall educational experience. Employers know that interns are in “learning mode”, so there’s much less pressure. Interns receive free hands-on training and often get paid to be there. It’s a win for everyone!
Savvy interns learn all they can while making valuable connections. And, if you make a strong enough impression, your semester long internship could get your foot in the door for a future job offer at the end.
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