If you’ve asked yourself “should I finish my degree” keep reading for inspiration from working professionals who were once pondering that same question.
According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, less than 60 percent of students who start college will have earned a degree six years later. From a lack of family support to not having the financial resources, there are many reasons people aren’t able to complete their bachelor’s degree. However, there are just as many reasons why they should go back to college as an adult student!
Are you ready to advance in your career, earn more money or improve your skillset? While not guaranteed, one way to increase your career outlook is by completing your bachelor’s degree.
More “marketable”
Amy T. completed her associate degree straight out of high school and began working in the corporate world. However, she left the workforce to raise her family. Once her kids were older, Amy returned to college to complete her bachelor’s degree. Amy chose a program which included a mix of online and in-person classes. While it was challenging, she relied on the support of her fellow classmates.
“It was so cool to make friends in college even though some of us were in our 40s and 50s. Now, when I think about college, I think about the people as much as the leadership skills I gained. We stay in touch. Those relationships have lasted.”
Back at work, she finds herself taking on challenging and complex tasks and says her bachelor’s degree has made her more “marketable.” At home, she’s made her family proud. “I had no clue how happy my kids were for me until graduation. They saw that it was important to work hard for something and to see it through.”
Setting an example
Ronelle K. didn’t have the family or financial support she needed to attend college straight out of high school. So, she earned her associate degree 12 years after her high school graduation. “I was so enthusiastic about my degree that I decided to keep the momentum going and seek a degree-completion program.”
Still, she was nervous to move forward. “The thought of returning to school, working full time, and being a mother and wife was overwhelming. I didn’t know how I would manage it all.”
However, the degree helped her move forward in her career and set an example for her family. She is now earning her MBA, was recently promoted at work and set an example for her daughters on how to “grow personally and professionally.”
Reaching a personal goal
Tiffany T. chose to complete her degree because she felt something was missing in her life. “I was not sure I had what it takes to get my bachelor’s degree. I felt called to continue my education and on my first day of class, I understood why. My feelings immediately shifted to excitement and a feeling of pride for embarking on a new, meaningful journey.”
An established professional, completing her bachelor’s degree allowed Tiffany to advance in her career and become a better leader.
Tiffany’s mom also went back to college at a later age and both Tiffany’s mom and daughter cheered her on at graduation. “I have a young daughter who got to watch her mother achieve her dreams of an education. I was also once that little girl who watched her mom do great things.”
Tiffany also chose to earn her MBA and is now in a senior leadership position.
Should I finish my degree?
In conclusion, there are many reasons adult students return to college: to advance in their career, to earn higher wages, to gain the pride of their family or to reach a personal goal. Whichever reason is yours, there are many resources and types of degree-completion programs available to adult students. Reach out to a few programs you are interested and determine if now is the right time for you to earn your bachelor’s degree!
At Bluffton University, working adults can complete their degree in accounting, business management, or social work; or earn an MBA (Master of Business Administration), MAOM (Master of Arts in Organizational Management) or MAEd (Master of Arts in Education).
The dedicated faculty and staff at Bluffton University ensure supportive, cohort-based programs for degree completion, MBA or MAEd. You will take classes one day a week via Zoom with the same group of students. Bluffton graduates routinely say the program has changed their lives.
Written by Tricia Bell, content manager