An Associate Degree Turbocharges Your Earning Potential

Why should you earn a college degree? Earning a college degree can benefit your future both personally and professionally. It used to be that having a degree made you stand out in the job market, but now, more and more jobs require at least an associate degree if you wish to advance past basic entry-level positions. 

High school diploma holders are usually only eligible for entry-level roles that are largely administrative or support positions. Once you have earned your associate degree, you can obtain more specialized positions. These roles bring with them higher salaries and better chances for career advancement. 

Three of the most in-demand career sectors today are healthcare, computer science, and business administration. Below, we will take a look at how an associate’s degree in one of these fields can help you secure a satisfying position in a growing market sector. 

Healthcare

The healthcare industry is anticipating rapid growth over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. What’s driving this rapid in the healthcare industry? There are multiple reasons for this growth, including an aging population, the prevalence of chronic health conditions, expanding access to healthcare services for previously underserved populations, and the retirement of current healthcare workers. These factors combine to make healthcare one of the most stable sectors in which to pursue a career.

The healthcare field offers various opportunities for individuals with an associate degree. While some roles may require further education or certification, an associate degree can be a stepping stone into in-demand positions that involve direct patient care and specialized skills.

• Community Health Educator: A community health educator delivers health education programs to diverse groups of people to foster healthier lifestyles and empower individuals to make informed choices. These professionals are often liaisons between the community and healthcare providers, helping individuals navigate available resources and services. Additionally, they might collaborate with local leaders and policymakers to advocate for health-promoting policies and initiatives.
• Healthcare Advocate: A community health educator promotes well-being and preventive healthcare within a community. In their role, healthcare advocates often communicate with patients, helping them understand their rights, medical options, and available resources. They may assist in filling out paperwork, explaining insurance coverage, and clarifying medical bills.
• Patient Services Representative: A patient services representative acts as a frontline liaison between healthcare providers and patients. In their daily duties, these professionals greet and assist patients, providing a welcoming and reassuring presence. They may handle inquiries, schedule appointments, and facilitate the registration process. Additionally, they collect and verify patient information, ensuring accuracy and compliance with privacy regulations.
• Wellness Coordinator: A wellness coordinator collaborates with individuals, community groups, or corporate teams to assess the groups’ wellness needs. They design and execute programs that address areas such as physical fitness, nutrition, stress management, and mental health. These programs may include workshops, seminars, fitness classes, and other initiatives aimed at enhancing overall well-being.

If healthcare is a career field you are interested in pursuing, you can earn your Associate’s Degree in Health Science at University of the People. In this program, you will explore a wide range of health-focused topics, from disease prevention, psychology, global health, public healthcare, and biology to general health and wellness. 

If you are interested in advancing further in the field, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in health science and obtain additional certificates and licenses for a variety of health-related skills. Some of the advanced positions you can obtain after you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree include medical services manager, health education specialist, community health worker, and wellness coordinator. All of these positions carry with them greater responsibility and a higher salary.

Computer Science

A second career field anticipated to grow rapidly over the next decade is computer science. This field is expanding thanks to a variety of market trends, including technological advancements, the increased adoption of e-commerce and online services, cybersecurity concerns, and a shortage of skilled professionals. If you have an interest in computers or programming, computer science is a great field to pursue. 

While a bachelor’s degree is standard for the majority of computer science jobs, an associate’s degree will provide you with foundational knowledge that could qualify you for the following entry-level positions:

• Network Technician: The responsibilities of a network technician include both the configuration of networking hardware, routers, and switches and the maintenance and resolution of network-related issues. They may also set up local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) to guarantee optimal system performance and rectify problems that may cause network disruptions. Additionally, their roles include overseeing network security and assisting end-users.
• Data Analyst: Data analysts identify significant insights and trends within datasets, providing company leaders with the data points they need to make informed decisions. These professionals may also engage in the development and upkeep of databases, optimizing data storage and ensuring effective data retrieval processes. They also stay updated on emerging trends and technologies in data analysis, consistently improving their skills to align with evolving industry standards.
• Computer Programmer: Computer programmers are responsible for creating and maintaining software applications, from the initial concept through ongoing maintenance and enhancements. They collaborate with stakeholders to determine the objectives of a software project and then convert those requirements into code, employing programming languages like Java, Python, or C++. Additionally, they diligently test their code to address bugs that may impede the intended software’s function.
• IT Support Specialist: The responsibilities of an IT support specialist include maintaining an organization’s information technology systems. This includes addressing hardware and software issues, identifying and resolving network problems, and providing step-by-step guidance to individuals. Additionally, IT support specialists frequently handle the installation and configuration of both hardware and software components, while also overseeing security protocols.

To get started in the computer science field, you can earn your associate’s degree in computer science at UoPeople. In as little as four months, you can be on your way to a higher-paying position by completing this program, which will provide you with a solid foundation in computer programming, databases, software, and operating systems.

While an associate’s degree can open doors to exciting entry-level positions, career advancement in the computer science field often requires a bachelor’s degree or higher, along with relevant work experience and certifications. Additionally, obtaining industry certifications alongside an associate’s degree can further enhance your job prospects in these roles.

Business Administration

Skilled workers are in demand for a variety of business administration jobs, due to this field’s rapid growth. Several market trends are driving this growth, including the globalization of business, the rise of entrepreneurship and startups, the demand for financial expertise, the increasing importance of regulatory and corporate social responsibility, and the retirement of current business employees.

Individuals with an associate’s degree in business can qualify for various entry-level positions in the business sector. While higher-level managerial roles often require a bachelor’s degree or higher, an associate’s degree in business can be a valuable stepping stone toward a business career. Here are some entry-level business jobs that someone with an associate’s degree might pursue:

• Business Administrator: A business administrator is crucial to the effective administrative functioning of an organization. They may assist in managing office operations, handling correspondence, and organizing meetings. In addition, they may also maintain records, manage databases, and oversee the efficient flow of information within the company.
• Operations Analyst: Operations analysts often collaborate with different departments to analyze workflows, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to streamline processes. They may use data analysis techniques to assess performance metrics, identify trends, and recommend adjustments to enhance overall efficiency. Additionally, they may also be involved in creating and maintaining reports that provide insights into operational output.
• Payroll Specialist: The role of a payroll specialist includes the computation and distribution of salaries, wages, and benefits. These professionals meticulously calculate working hours, deductions, and withholdings, ensuring adherence to relevant employment laws and regulations. Additionally, they often collaborate with human resources departments to update employee records, address payroll-related inquiries, and resolve any discrepancies that may arise.
• Sales Supervisor: Sales supervisors often play a pivotal role in setting sales targets, developing strategies to meet those targets, and implementing effective sales techniques. They provide guidance and support to sales team members, helping them hone their skills, meet objectives, and navigate challenges. Additionally, sales supervisors may be involved in recruitment, training, and performance evaluations of sales staff.

UoPeople’s associate’s degree in business administration will expose you to topics like statistics, management, and accounting. It is a perfect introduction to the competitive world of business and provides the groundwork for future study. 

While an associate’s degree opens doors to entry-level business positions, career advancement often requires additional education, certifications, work experience, and continuous professional development. Many individuals use an associate’s degree as a starting point and eventually pursue a bachelor’s degree or gain specialized certifications to expand their career opportunities within the business field.

Required Skills for the Best Paying Jobs

Most companies require their employees to have the education and technical skills necessary to be successful in their jobs, and an associate’s degree is the first step on the ladder to success.

However, there are other skills that will make you successful in the workforce and lead to higher-paying positions.

• Soft skills include interpersonal, social, and communication skills that facilitate effective interactions and relationships with others. Examples include communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, time management, empathy, and conflict resolution. 
• Personal attributes are individual traits or characteristics that contribute to a person’s behavior, attitudes, and approach to work. They include traits like honesty, integrity, reliability, resilience, optimism, and a strong work ethic. 
• Transferable skills are not tied to a specific job or industry but can be applied across various roles and settings. Examples include communication, leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management. 

Employers often seek candidates with a balanced combination of these skills and attributes. While technical skills are essential for job competency, soft skills, personal attributes, and transferable skills are equally important in contributing to overall workplace success. Employers know that a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively, collaborate with colleagues, and demonstrate adaptability enhances team dynamics and fosters a positive work environment. A well-rounded skill set, encompassing both technical and interpersonal competencies, not only ensures proficiency in a job’s tasks but also contributes to an agile workforce capable of navigating diverse challenges and opportunities.