Advancing your education amid full-time employment can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and execution, it is definitely achievable. Despite the array of learning opportunities available today, many adults find it difficult to commit to long-term educational programs. Oftentimes, this is because they’re working full-time and can’t afford to take a break from their career.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to advance your education without quitting your job. Whether you’re looking to get a promotion, change careers or simply learn something new, there are plenty of options available to help you achieve your goals.
As an influential step in helping you stay competitive and enhance your skills, continued education will expand your knowledge base. This will eventually result in promotions as it pushes you to the next level in your career due to the extra practical skills you’ll be equipped with. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has established that Americans with high school degrees earn an average of $746 each week, whereas those with bachelor’s degrees earn $1,248 or more per week.
Are you a full-time employee who feels qualified and ready to move to the next level in your career and make more money but still are yet to achieve it? Well, it may be time to pursue further education through an online platform to help you advance in your career.
How has online learning impacted career advancement?
The decision to pursue an education is a big one, and it’s not one that should be taken lightly. There are a number of things to consider, such as your current job, your financial situation and your family obligations.
With the advent of online learning programs, there are a multitude of ways you can obtain your educational credentials. From night classes to online degree programs, there are a wealth of options available to fit your schedule. This makes it easier than ever before to advance your career without breaking the bank.
Online learning platforms provide you with the opportunity to obtain work experience while receiving your education. This will ultimately help you advance in your current job while helping you build up the skills necessary to obtain a promotion, a better-paying job or even start your very own business.
For instance, if you hold a bachelor’s degree and need to gain business and management skills while still working, pursuing an online MBA will suffice. Earning your master’s degree online will not only help you advance in your career but it will also help you increase your earnings potential and advance to a higher salary bracket.
The Suffolk MBA online program is a top-ranked program that provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive business world. The program is perfect for full-time professionals who want to earn their MBA while still working. The curriculum is flexible and can be customized to fit the needs of each student. The program offers a variety of courses, including finance, marketing and operations management. Students can also choose to specialize in a specific area of interest.
What strategies can you deploy to move up at work?
The possibility of advancing in their career motivates many employees; it keeps them engaged with tasks, excited about future opportunities and innovative in their approaches, which can result in receiving new projects, increased responsibility or even a promotion.
Being able to advance within your current career is a proven strategy for obtaining the promotion you deserve and increase your earnings potential. For example, if you’re already in a high-level job but have difficulty getting noticed by your higher-ups, try to get involved with projects that will ultimately bring value to the company. Even if it means spending time on the weekends or taking time off from work, it will benefit you in the long run.
If you want to make a positive career move, there are strategies you can use to refine your goals, hone your abilities and invest in yourself for career advancement. To get started, consider exploring the following strategies:
1. Focus on advancing your education
Pursuing an advanced degree can help further your career. Over time, employers typically hire individuals with more education. Make sure to explore all of your educational options and make a list of the programs that interest you.
No matter the level of your education, advancing your credentials will tremendously impact your career. This could mean enrolling in a doctorate or graduate program, completing a degree or even taking career-specific courses to nurture a tailored skill set.
Continued education is important in today’s world
The world is constantly changing; consequently, the skills and knowledge required to succeed in it must be upgraded. In order to stay ahead of the curve, it is essential to continue learning and expanding your horizons in your career.
There are many ways to do this, but taking formal courses and obtaining qualifications is still the most recognized and respected way to show that you are keeping up with the times.
In today’s market, employers are looking for candidates with not only the right qualifications but also the right attitude. They want people who are proactive and who take initiative to learn new things.
By pursuing an advanced degree program, you’ll be able to develop skills that will help you progress in your current career. You can also apply some of your new knowledge to your current job. If you’re currently in a management role, for instance, use the skills that helped you climb the corporate ladder to take on more responsibility and help others.
What do employers see when they see you go back to school?
Employers are always looking to promote enthusiastic people whom they can invest in to help further the company’s goals. They want employees who are proactive, willing to learn and invest in themselves. Employers are looking for people who “perform” in their roles and take initiative to develop new skills or master existing ones. Finding ways to further your education is one of the best ways to demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for your job.
Going back to school is a demonstration to your employers that you have qualities that give you an avenue for advancement. This will show them that you:
- Are a lifelong learner
- Are willing to take on new challenges
- Will take ownership of your goals
- Are eager for success
- Are committed to advancing in your career and making it a great place to work
After your employer realizes you are willing and eager to learn, you will be a potential candidate for promotion and highly visible in the eyes of your organization.
2. Investing in your abilities should be paramount
If you’re in a role that is low on the management ladder, that doesn’t mean it’s the end of your career. Many companies are looking for employees who are ready to take on more responsibility.
You can improve your position by taking a leadership role in your group or department. This will not only help you advance in your career but it can also be great for your professional development.
In today’s fast-paced economy, employers want people who perform at their best. They are looking for employees who are proactive and willing to take initiative. You can create your own initiative and identify where your skills and abilities can be used to benefit the company.
Be observant
Need to develop your soft skills? Your best classroom is your existing workspace. Be keen to see how leaders on your team handle organization, prioritization of tasks and conflict.
If you demonstrate behaviors that promote effective communication, problem-solving and professional growth, you will definitely be highly sought after. Being able to speak up and ask for change will not only help you advance in your current career but it will also give you the skills necessary to advance to another role.
Be proactive
The workplace is not a static place; it is constantly changing to reflect the needs of employers and employees alike. There will always be ways to improve your current career and help the company in a new way.
Most candidates looking for advancement put their focus on their ability to complete tasks or achieve goals. However, employers are looking for more than that. They want people who can effectively communicate issues and bring about change in a way that benefits the organization.
If you are proactive, you can find areas in which you think the company can improve and provide solutions for those issues. For example, if you think customers would benefit from new service options or that your department should institute a new policy, be proactive and let your supervisor know your thoughts.
Ask questions
Whether you are looking to advance in your current job or want to try something new, asking questions is one of the best ways to develop and position yourself for advancement.
Asking questions is not only a great way to solve problems but it is also a good way to demonstrate your interest in learning more about your role and the organization. When you ask pertinent and insightful questions, it lets people know that you care about what’s happening around you.
Besides, your questions will help you identify areas of opportunity for improvement. You can then put together a strategy and present it to your supervisor or managers so that they can see the positive impact you can make.
3. Network
There’s no better way to grow and develop your career than by networking.
Networking involves connecting with people who have attained success in your field of work. You can network directly with these people or network indirectly by talking with people in various organizations that may benefit your growth and development as a leader.
The benefits of networking are endless. Prospective employers see this as a way to identify potential leaders, while the person networking can gain knowledge, insight and information that will help propel his or her career forward. Networking will also give you a way to meet new people and make new contacts. In addition, networking can be a great way to find a job that fits your personality and interests.
Find a mentor
A mentor is someone who has achieved success in a field you’re interested in or who has mastered a skill you want to learn. A mentor can be helpful regarding personal and professional development. A mentor can help you increase your knowledge, expand your experience and identify the resources available to you.
Mentors can provide you with feedback, insights and other valuable information that will prove helpful in your job search. You may also find a mentor that is interested in helping you advance to the next level by using the network you have built together.
4. Developing leadership skills
Developing your leadership skills will help you get ahead in your current job and also help you advance your career.
Whether you are a leader at work or serving in a volunteer, social networking or community leadership role, all leaders must have strong communication and presentation skills. The best way to learn these skills is to attend training, classes and workshops designed specifically for the purpose of honing your leadership abilities.
Many employers are noticing this professional development trend and are taking steps to ensure their teams can keep up. They are offering training opportunities and seminars to help employees develop these highly sought-after leadership skills.
You can always improve your leadership skills by reading books, attending conferences and listening to motivational speakers. Video training is also a great way to learn new skills quickly and effectively.
Final thoughts
There is a very strong relationship between career and education: you cannot advance your career without a solid education base.
The benefits of advancing your education while working full-time are numerous, including improved job security, increased earnings potential and enhanced professional development opportunities. Also, it demonstrates to your employer that you are committed to learning, capable of taking responsibility and enthusiastic about increasing your knowledge and skills.
There are a few things to keep in mind when planning to advance your education while working, such as time management, financial planning and work/life balance. With a little bit of organization and some creative thinking, you can find a way to make it work for you!
