For many school leavers, the decision to invest in a degree or to start a career directly is a serious decision. Whether for economic or personal reasons, this decision can have a major impact on the course of a professional career.
However, with the growth of online BA degrees, there are now greater opportunities to get the best of both worlds, especially for those interested in a career in business or marketing. Gaining work experience has distinct benefits, as nothing beats a full-time job to prepare you for real-world challenges. This can be especially true for students who have not done well in school and who often find real satisfaction in entering the workforce. Without the tedium of the classroom, these individuals find environments that inspire them to succeed on their own terms.
Despite the availability of scholarships for low-income families, not everyone can afford to invest in a traditional full-time degree right out of school. Professionals can start their careers in sales, customer service, or other positions that provide on-the-job training. Although degree programs build important skills, few colleges and universities can fully prepare students for real-world challenges. Despite the significant pressure to meet deadlines, college experience does not necessarily match the requirements of a regular full-time job, and many successful entrepreneurs and executives have found their success through the workforce.
However, there is no doubt that a degree also offers many benefits for those facing tougher job demands in an ever-changing marketplace. For most of the 20th century, success at the GCSE or A’ level was enough to convince many employers that applicants could handle most basic jobs. In fact, many large companies ran in-house training and development programs for school leavers. As a result, many people have enjoyed long, successful careers; often work for the same company their entire lives.
The changes in the global labor market have put an end to these traditions. Very few people experience the stability of working for just one or two employers throughout their career. In fact, most workers starting their first job today will change careers at least seven times before reaching retirement age.
With workers disembarking more frequently, few companies can afford to invest so heavily in employee development. As a result, more and more employers are relying on job seekers to develop their own skills. As a result, the demand for skilled workers has skyrocketed in recent decades.
For those school leavers who would rather venture out into the ‘real’ world than the ivory tower, the opportunity to study online while gaining ‘on the job’ experience truly offers the best of both worlds. In fact, being willing to consider this option in an increasingly competitive market could be the icing on the cake for potential employers. Taking up an online degree offers far greater flexibility in terms of length of study and could give those just starting their careers a real advantage over those who studied in a more traditional way.
Thanks to Sarah Maple | #Short #Distance #Learning #Smart #school #leavers #learn #online
