Why Is Getting Your Bachelor's Degree Important?

Many potential students waver when they consider whether or not to get a bachelor's degree. In some professions, such as business, professional athletics, professional writing, art, or restaurant management, a college degree isn't necessarily a requirement for finding a job. However, most career analysts and experts agree that a bachelor's degree is still an important asset that can offer professionals many advantages.

Although a bachelor's degree is not necessary for getting some positions, it can still be an important tool for gaining employment. When two job candidates have equal qualifications, an employer is often more likely to choose the candidate with the college degree. In addition, even in job where a college degree is not relevant, such as in many hospitality or service jobs, employers are more likely to choose the candidate with a college degree.

In addition to having the edge when gaining employment, college graduates also tend to have better job security. When it comes time to lay off employees, employers are often more likely to choose employees without college degrees. As a result, unemployment is lower for college graduates than it is for those who have completed some college or who ended their education with a high school degree.

College graduate also earn higher salaries than those without college degrees. This is partly because college graduates have access to better paying positions. However, workers with a bachelor's degree tend to earn more at the same positions than workers without a degree. For example, secretaries, police officers, construction workers, plumbers and retail salespeople with bachelor's degrees all earn more than those without the degrees. This is often because employers view workers with a degree as more valuable or more skilled than those who lack degrees.

Many professions, such as writing and technically oriented fields, are evolving rapidly. To keep their positions, workers are expected to adjust and change with the times. For example, many technical writers lack college degrees but those with degrees are often viewed as more versatile because they've received hands-on training in computer software and in writing in a variety of genres, such as software writing and writing for online audiences. As a result, college graduates may have the advantage when it comes to adapting to a changing workforce.