Expert: Torski Dobson-Arnold - 7/27/2008

Question
I am a 29yr old full time student, as well as a mom that works full time.  I am Currently working on earning my Associates degree In Business Admin, with plans to continue my education, moving forward to archive a bachelors degree in Business mgmt.  My question is, with the economy the way that it is, do you believe that finding a job with this type of degree will be far and few between.  My husband seems to think so, and is pushing me to find something that required a  skill or trade. Any info or guidance that you could given e would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Jacqui:

I will and will NOT agree with your husband on this way and let me explain why.  As a mom and full-time student myself a few years ago in graduate school, I understand your goals to pursue a degree.  I'm from the understanding that the more you learn, the more you earn and that's the same philosophy that I share with job seekers, my clients, and even my own children.  However, I am too a BIG fan of learning a skill or trade.  I think both paths have their share of pros and cons.  The biggest thing her to consider then should be what is your passion?  What is it that you want to do that would get you excited about going to work in the morning?  If feel like there is a trade or skill that you could learn that you'd really enjoy doing, then GO FOR IT!  However if your goals are more along the lines of moving into management, moving up the corporate ladder at a Fortune 500 or 100 company, then I would stick to the AS degree followed by the BA or BS in Business Mgmt.

I think given our current state of economic affairs the job market is what it is whether you have a degree or a skill or trade journeyman's license.

If you want to see a sampling of the hottest jobs available right now, check out your local market's online job board or classified ads.  I personally think that the healthcare field is going to continue to thrive and that technology isn't going anywhere anytime soon.  It will also infiltrate itself into other industries that were not traditionally considered technologically advanced like teaching, nursing, etc.

I hope this advice gives you some areas to think about that maybe you had not originally considered.  

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!