For years, studies have shown the many benefits of earning a bachelor’s degree. Even with rising education costs, the bachelor’s degree translates to higher earning potential over a person’s career. Exactly how much? Nearly half a million dollars. A number of statistics also show that the demand for bachelor’s degrees is only set to increase. For starters, there’s the unemployment rate for college graduates, which is less than half of the rest of the population. At 2.8 percent, the unemployment rate for college graduates is at its lowest point since before the Great Recession.
Help From College-Educated Workers Wanted
As the unemployment rate for college graduates continues to drop, there is a chance we will run out of college-educated workers. Why are college-educated workers less likely to be unemployed, and why is their unemployment rate dropping?
Employer demand for college-educated workers stems from all the benefits that come from employees with a bachelor’s education. At the top of the list is the basic learning skill that comes with attending college. Students in college go through a kind of professional boot camp that teaches them time management, communication, analytical skills, learning and project management. These are skills that a person without a degree would have to learn on the job, but in today’s fast-paced world, employers want candidates who have already mastered these core skills.
The unemployment rate for college graduates is also low because a bachelor’s is applicable in so many professions, including technology and engineering. These degrees go beyond soft skills to also teach how to use and apply the latest technologies in the real world. Using the internet and web technologies to deliver or enhance services, for instance, is a great example. Finally, the demand for college graduates is high because many are starting their own businesses.
At the Top of the Demand Scale
Workers with trade skills are among the most sought-after in the market. Because people can learn many of these skills with an associate degree, most individuals with skills in these areas are already employed. But perhaps you are seeking to start your own business, or alter the kind of work you do by moving into administration and management. Regardless of what direction you want to take, earning a bachelor’s degree is the first step toward creating more opportunities. Fortunately, even if you are a working professional, you can manage your job and your studies thanks to bachelor’s degree online programs.
Enrolling in a Bachelor’s Degree Online Course
The overall unemployment rate for Americans would decrease if more working Americans returned to school to finish their coursework. Unfortunately, until recently, this was quite difficult due to cost, inconvenience and scheduling conflicts. It is a tough decision to give up a job to sit in class. Now, working professionals do not have to give up their careers to earn their degree. Students can now enroll in programs like Lamar’s Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences online. This program is flexible enough to match the prospective student’s schedule and desired pace.
By giving working professionals the ability to earn a bachelor’s degree online, we open the door to a future with a highly skilled and adaptable workforce — one that is capable of meeting society’s demands while also giving each individual a pathway to reach their personal and professional goals.
Sources:
The New York Times: Is College Worth It? Clearly, New Data Say
Bloomberg: Pretty Soon the U.S. Might Run Out of College-Educated Workers
Small Business Administration: Small Business Trends
Manpower Group: Workforce Insights Center
