It’s thought that around 32% of undergraduates don’t finish their degree. There’s a huge range of reasons for this, which can include financial concerns, lifestyle changes, family problems, or career opportunities away from college. Fortunately, many people that drop out of college before completing their degree go on to build successful careers, at which point, the idea of going back to finish might seem like a waste of time. But wherever you are on your career path, there are always benefits to finishing your degree. Here’s a look at some of the top reasons to go back to it.
You’ve Got More Options
Whatever your reasons for stopping, chances are, you’ve got more options now than you had as a student. You might have more money, more free time, more confidence, and even a greater desire to study and better health.
There are also more options when it comes to how you study. You could take an online degree completion program to finish your course without having to give up work or other responsibilities.
Higher Earning Potential
People with a degree generally earn more than those without. Even if you are happy in your career, and with your current salary, having a degree could give you a bargaining tool should you ever decide to move, or ask for a pay raise.
Improved Career Opportunities
Having a degree doesn’t just open up financial possibilities. It will also give you options when it comes to seeking promotion, moving to new companies, starting your own business, or even pivoting to a new career path or industry.
Personal Development
When you study for a degree, you don’t just learn about the subject at hand. You also develop core skills like organization and time management, while learning a lot about your strengths, weaknesses, and passions. It can be great for personal development, and a big confidence boost.
Networking
When you study, you meet people. Some of these people will become lifelong friends, and others could one day become important business connections. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people, and you never know how these connections could help you in the future.
Future Educational Opportunities
At some point, you might want to explore higher educational opportunities, such as a master’s degree or a PhD, which can have massive benefits. But to do that, you first need to be a graduate.
Improved Reputation
Holding a degree in your field of interest automatically makes you a more trustworthy source of information and improves your reputation.
Access to Specialist Skills
There might be some skills or knowledge taught at a degree level that you have yet to come across in the workplace. The more skills you have, the better prepared you are for challenges and issues that you may face in the future.
Better Job Security
While you may feel secure in your job at the moment, the last thing that you want is for new graduates to come through and leap above you, simply because they have a degree. Finishing your degree can improve your job security.
With more study options than ever before, finishing your degree couldn’t be easier, and with so many benefits, it could be a fantastic investment.