5 Benefits of Working While in College
While working in college might seem like a daunting task, the fact remains that adult learners who pursue a degree are most likely full- or part-time employees elsewhere. If you are considering pursuing your degree while employed, there are advantages to earning an income while hitting the books.
Here are five benefits of working while in college:
1. Find Greater Financial Stability
The obvious benefit to working while in college is the peace of mind that you can pay your bills and take care of yourself and your family. If you have the option, find a position the field in which you are studying so you can boost your resume and get your foot in the door before you even graduate. While this position might be entry-level, do not despair, as the professional connections you make during this time can be priceless.
2. Get a Resume Boost
Whether the job you're doing is in your desired field or not, the fact is that you can still find a way to further develop valuable professional skills. What's more, hiring managers see continuing education, especially when you are a non-traditional student, as an asset. Not only does it prove that you can multitask in your personal life, but you are willing to embrace change in your preferred industry and learn new tools.
3. Stay in the Know
While it's great to dedicate your full schedule to school if you have the ability, there's something to be said for staying active professionally through your studies. You can more easily stay in touch with what's going on in your field, meet new colleagues and find helpful networking opportunities that can serve you well once you graduate.
4. Fine-Tune Your Time-Management Skills
Priorities become perfectly clear when you are managing a job, school, home and family, and the time-management skills you can develop while working and going to school no doubt can serve you well across many areas of your life. You just might find yourself being more productive on the job and around the house, too, and at the end of each day, you also have the satisfaction of knowing you are one step closer to your goal.
5. Find Personal Cheerleaders
When you're balancing a broad array of responsibilities, there is bound to be a time when you need a little support. Rest assured there are plenty of others just like you out there, who have juggled school and work and kids and spouses – and live to talk about it! Share with the people in your life that you are not only working in a professional environment but getting your degree simultaneously. Gravitate toward the people who encourage you or have been through the process and on the flip side, avoid toxic individuals who look to distract you for your goal.
Working while in college will inevitably present some intense moments; however, the opportunities for growth and self-discovery during this time can help you move further toward your career goals.
Interested in more articles succeeding in college? Read our College Success blog.
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