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7 Reasons Why You Should Not Put Off Education After High School
After you finish high school, it's important to pursue "continuing education." Continuing education generally refers to postsecondary studies or courses of study followed...

Education after high school; it's important to pursue "continuing education." Continuing education generally refers to postsecondary studies or courses of study followed by adults after formal education. This can range from seminars or one-off courses to online courses and entire degree programs. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to get back in the swing of going to school.

Some occupations require further training. Some of these requirements come from annual courses or tests to keep you abreast of industry changes. Other careers require additional Education after high school in the form of advanced degrees that prepare you for new tasks and opportunities. Still, other jobs require attending conferences or presentations so employees can learn from other experts in their fields.

But can continuing education benefit you? Find out why further training makes sense and how to get started.

#1 Improve Your Lifestyle

If you are unhappy with your current lifestyle, education after high school can solve your problems. Do you want to make more money? Do you want to change jobs? Do you want to feel more fulfilled? Need a new skill? Continuing education can help you achieve all these goals. If you take the time to learn, the results will positively impact your career and overall lifestyle. Improving your career often affects the rest of your life because you'll be happier at work, make more money, and do more.

#2 Earn a Bigger Salary

Continuing education after high school often leads to salary increases or higher starting salaries for new positions. Whether you receive a raise or promotion at your current job or qualify for a new job with a higher salary, continuing education can significantly impact your income.

On average, college graduates earn twice as much as those without degrees. This form of continuing education often requires an investment in yourself, but the payoff, in the end, is usually worth it.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, continuing education can add thousands of dollars to your annual earnings. Associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees can provide employees with these income benefits. Continuing education may be right for you if you're looking for a raise or a higher-paying career.

#3 Expand Your Network

Salary is far from the only answer to why continuing education after high school matters. No matter how talented you are, a good network can help you launch and advance your career.

At the secondary level, you not only have the opportunity to connect with faculty who have worked in their fields, but you get to meet students from a variety of fields. You can benefit from these different connections in the future. You can also attend professional groups, community events, and industry conferences to expand your circle further. The career department at most schools can also connect you with alums in your field and continue to support you through networking after graduation.

#4 Increased Personal Development

Even if you're delighted with your job and lifestyle, it doesn't mean continuing education isn't for you. Experts agree that learning should be lifelong and that investing time in further education can be a personal development journey. If you want to learn more about a topic that interests you or you need additional job skills, there are several ways to use continuing education to your advantage.

Even if your pursuit of education is only personal, advanced study can benefit you on the way to becoming a better person.

#5 Better Your Marketability

Continuing education is an integral part of your resume. A certain degree of education is an immediate requirement for many jobs. Even if you meet the minimum qualifications, further education will set you apart. Having credentials behind your names carries a level of weight professionally.

Consider if you are one of several candidates for a job. If you have extra training, you will, of course, be viewed more closely. Not only will you differentiate yourself with additional qualifications, but employers will recognize your willingness to take on challenges and succeed. Employers will also acknowledge that you have fresh insight into the latest trends and skills in the industry and gain additional technical experience as you spend a lot of time learning new things. Overall, your profile and employability will improve as you continue your education.

#6 Increase Your Chances for Promotion

Employers will often find your pursuit of continuing education a good reason to promote you. You recognize that you have invested time and sometimes money in improving yourself and want to reward it. Your new education makes you more eligible for senior-level positions and an ideal candidate for promotion.

Employers sometimes require advanced degrees as essential requirements for positions within companies. Earning this advanced degree may be a factor in the selection for promotion.

Likewise, if you are highly educated, working alongside another promotion candidate will make you stand out and impress the hiring manager. Education qualifies you to take on more tasks and responsibilities and may even teach you how to do your job better.

If you want to move up the ranks, a graduate degree or other educational pathway may be the key to getting there. There are many reasons why your professional development plan can help you get promoted, from teaching skills and abilities to demonstrating your commitment to advancement to your employer.

#7 Make a Career Transition

When you're ready to enter a new professional field, the first step is often an apprenticeship that qualifies you to embark on this new path. Many occupations have strict licensing or degree requirements to qualify. This training prepares you for a professional career.

Several jobs require continuing education because they receive specific training critical to your success. With this education, you can qualify for a position and succeed. Learning new skills through continuing education is key to preparing for a career transition.

Further Your Career at ACI

Students choose Austin Career Institute as their trade school for vocational programs after high school. The nationally and locally awarded school has nationally accredited certification programs in Medical Assisting, HVAC Tech and Electrical Tech. Each course offers hands-on training with up-to-date equipment and labs, interactive online supportive material, and instructors with real life-industry experience. Financial aid and job placement assistance available.