Completing a college degree, or some level of postsecondary education, has clear benefits. Research shows that college graduates have higher earning potential, lower unemployment rates, greater job satisfaction, and more career longevity than their non-grad counterparts. In addition, college graduates qualify for more job opportunities, and are therefore more likely to find a stable career.
According to the latest predictions from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, an estimated 70 percent of all jobs will require some level of postsecondary education by 2027. About 13 percent of jobs will require an associate degree, while another 25 percent of positions will require a bachelor’s education.
While there is no doubting the value of higher education, a traditional college curriculum or class structure may not be right for everyone. For example, those who know exactly what they want to go to school for may not want to spend added time in liberal arts courses. Others may not want to expend the high cost of a traditional four-year program. In addition, many adults going back to school need a flexible program that is fully planned and tailored to their career path.
If you fall into a similar situation, a career-focused college or university may be right for you.
What is a Career-Focused Program?
A career-focused degree program is designed to prepare students for a specific career. It provides students with relevant skills and training, and fulfills the educational requirements that are needed in the field. Those who attend a career-focused school already have a career goal in mind, and desire a concentrated and practical education to get there.
6 Benefits of a Career-Focused Program
- You will be highly qualified for your field.
The top reason students go to college today is to obtain a good job post-graduation. When you pursue a career-focused degree program, you can rest assured that you are getting the training you need to qualify. Your program is specifically designed to prepare you for a role in your dream field. You will be working towards your career aspirations through tailored, technical, and skills-driven courses. Not to mention, a career-focused degree on your resume will be highly valuable (and relevant!) as you apply for jobs, helping you stand out to prospective employers.
- You will be eligible for industry credentials.
In addition to providing you with the skills needed for your career, a career-focused program can prepare you for many professional certifications after graduation. For example, manufacturing and machining students at Goodwin can pursue credentials from the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) and the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), among many others. Our healthcare students can apply for the licenses required to practice after graduation, along with specialized and voluntary credentials that will enhance their career journeys.
- You will be surrounded by like-minded individuals.
Not everyone knows what they want to do in life when they begin college. This is normal! Many start with an undecided major, or pursue a program only to find a career in a completely different field. Studies show that a large fraction of college graduates do not pursue jobs related to their majors. Maybe you, too, pursued one path in life, and are now seeking a change in your career.
The difference is, you now know exactly what you want to do. And you know exactly what you need to get there. The benefit of attending a career-focused degree program is that you will be surrounded by other people in the same position. These students know what they are working towards, and they are working hard towards it. They are not going to college for the sake of going to college; they are focused on their career aspirations. In a career-focused program, you can build valuable connections with your peers – whether that involve a friendship, job networking, or even launching a joint business venture.
- You will learn from experienced professionals.
Career-focused college professors go beyond the books. In a career-focused program, the faculty is well-versed and accomplished in their subject matter. The career-focused classes at Goodwin University, for example, are taught by industry leaders who have years of hands-on experience in their fields.
- You will have employment connections.
A career-focused institution is dedicated to helping you land your dream job. That said, their offerings do not end with classroom training. The best career-focused programs have Career Services teams in place to help you into a career that you love. They will also have connections with employers in your area, and some networking components that put you in touch with potential jobs. At Goodwin, our degree and certificate programs are designed with employers’ needs in mind. We have relationships and partnerships with employers throughout the state of Connecticut. We know exactly what they are looking for in job candidates, and help our students check off all the boxes needed to succeed. When you complete your program, we will help connect you with prospective employers.
- You will have flexibility.
In a traditional college format, students are required to attend their classes in-person, at a set time of the day. If you have a full-time job, however, this structure is not always realistic. If your current job is important to you, rest assured that you do not have to sacrifice it for your college education. The right career-focused university will customize a degree program that works with your current career – rather than giving you a schedule you have to work around.
Goodwin’s Career-Focused Model
Goodwin University is recognized in Connecticut – and across the U.S. – for our practical and career-focused degree and certificate programs. Our programs are fully dedicated to providing students with the skills and qualifications needed to be successful in their field. We work with employers to identify the current needs in the workplace, and develop training programs that exceed employer expectations.
Our career-focused programs include, but are not limited to:
- Registered Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Manufacturing and Machining
- Occupational Therapy
- Dental Hygiene
- Business Administration
- Public Health
- Public Safety
- Funeral Service
If you would like to learn more about Goodwin University, or find out how to launch your career with us, please do not hesitate to call 800-889-3282 today. You may also visit us online to request more information.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.