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Associates DegreeBy Jenny Gill People with associates degrees are more likely to find employment than those with high school diplomas only. If youre just starting your career, the odds are even greater in your favor. An associates degree is awarded after the completion of about 20 classes. It will prepare you for a career, or will allow you to transfer into a bachelors program if you decide thats best. I completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications, and it has opened some doors and allowed me to build a decent career. Sometimes, though, I wonder if I should have gone for an associates degree instead. An associates degree can provide you with a specified skill and can be acquired in just two years at a community college. Advantages of an associate degree include lower costs and more chances to attend evening classes (which is great for those with day jobs). Classes are often available at a more convenient location. It seems like an associates degree is given less prestige by those who think college is the only way to go. My parents did not go to college, and I was pretty much expected to get a four year degree because they were offering to pay for it and I had scholarships offered to me. I went along with it, thinking it was a much better option that an associates degree. It had to be--it was more expensive and the schooling was longer. After graduating and getting out into the workforce, I quickly realized that my communications degree was very general, which was an advantage sometimes because I was qualified for just about any job. However, many times I didnt even get interviews and I lost out on positions because I was knowledgeable but did not have specialized skills. I basically had an enhanced high school diploma. I got my foot in the door with marketing, and because I was able to finally land a job I learned particular skills that allowed me to move into other positions. An associates degree would have allowed me to gain a specific marketable skill. For instance, I wish I would have gone into either ultrasound technology or massage therapy. Both of these would have allowed me to get a higher starting salary, and these specialized skills lend themselves to moving into part time positions and still retain full time hourly wages. For me, this would have been ideal as I have two small children and ideally would like to work part time. However, with my communications degree, it is very difficult to find part time work that pays well hourly. Everything I see offers around $8.50 per hour, and this is after getting a four year degree! With an associates degree, I could be making three times that and only have gone to school for two years. Most community colleges have an open enrollment policy, so dont be concerned that low high school grades will hold you back. Tuition and fees for an associates degree can be a lot lower than going to college. And theres less chance of running into time limits if you need to take a little longer to earn your associates degree. All in all, I guess my experience will help me to encourage my sons to consider all of their options. Just because a degree costs more and schooling is longer doesnt mean it will be the right choice for you. Author: Jenny Gill is an international author with vast experience in a diverse range of subjects, for more information visit www.totaleducationsyte.com
About the Author: Jenny Gill is an international author with an immense range of knowledge and skills in a wide range of areas. Jenny is a mother and a grandmother and devotes a lot of her time supporting the aged in her community. keywords: Degree | Degrees | College
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