Boss Up: Using the Degree You Have to Get the Job You Want

You may have heard that a college degree is only a fancy piece of paper; however, I am here to tell you that it is not! Today, more than ever, education is in higher demand. Those with college degrees do better economically than those who don’t. In fact, the pay gap between those with and without college education has reached its widest point. The fact that you have a degree gives you a head start.

You are not stuck if you decide that you want to change your fields, it is okay. Some decide to go back to school to obtain Master’s degrees or certifications. There are even free certification offered online. On the other hand, if going back to school is not an option for you there are ways to utilize the degree you have to get the job that you want. Some ways to accomplish this include the following:

1. Networking – Networking simply means building business relationships with people that can help you get to where you want to be. Attending seminars and conferences in your field of interest are great ways to meet people. LinkedIn is one of many great websites that allows you to connect with countless of individuals in your field online. Many times, these professionals are willing to offer advice; so, do not be afraid to reach out to them and ask questions. It is great to hear from others’ experiences as well, so that you will know what to expect in your future position.
2. Volunteering/Interning – One way to get experience is by offering your services for free, allowing you to add relevant points to your resume. Most companies are always hiring interns and you can volunteer for some positions at church and local schools. For example, if you are interested in media, most news stations offer seasonal internships.
3. Entry Level – Taking an entry level position may not sound exciting, especially if you have years of service and investment in a particular profession but there are benefits to starting fresh. Taking an entry level position in your field of interest will allow you to become more familiar with the field and determine if it’s what you really want you want to do. It will also give you the opportunity to network and build business relationships with co-workers who may have more experience and insight.
4. Update Resume – Changing up your resume to highlight relevant experience may help you get your foot in the door in a different field. Finding samples of resumes online in your field of interest might help you identify which skills you already have that can be added to your resume, and which resume formats are best for the field you are interested in.

It is great that in today’s technologically advanced society we can study whichever field we would prefer and in a setting that best suits us. Furthermore, women are not tied to certain professions anymore. We are able to venture out and utilize our degrees to do anything. Beyond the education, experience is also key! It is ideal to gain as much background and familiarity in the field that you intend to pursue. Yes, the knowledge is in textbooks but you must develop hands-on experience as well.

Lastly, whatever you do, remember to never give up! Basically, do not allow your thoughts and others to withhold you from fulfilling your dreams of pursuing that career. Your education helps advance you in a job, but it does not define you! You can start over and then start over again. Education is a stepping stone to help forge the way ahead.