To get your dream job, you must first hone the right skills and education to perform specific tasks. If you are passionate about building things, then you must pursue engineering. If you are a computer nerd, then programming or software engineering is your right fit. Similarly, if you are creative with a superb aesthetic sense, you must sign up for an arts program. Your creative instincts will take you further in your career.
You do not necessarily have to start from your school education or a bachelor’s program to explore your passion. Even if you are in a middle or senior management position, it is never too late to pursue your dream of becoming an archeologist. Likewise, if you want growth in your current career, a master’s degree or a Ph.D. can help you climb the corporate ladder. No matter your ultimate goal, getting at the top level or enjoying your dream job requires specific skills that come with the right education.
Stats on Job Demand
Landing your dream role requires digging into the demand of that role, career progression, salary expectations, and level of flexibility. Every year, thousands of students graduate from universities in the US, entering the job market. It increases the population and pool of applicants in all sectors. When it comes to the US, Boston houses some of the top universities in the States. It will be wise to start from there and look at the top employers in Boston to land a high-potential job at a market-competitive salary package. High-level companies typically prefer top university graduates with a high-quality education for their fast-paced market.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate in the States will increase from 153.5 million to 165.4 million by 2030. It amounts to the creation of 11.9 million jobs overall. Post-pandemic economic recovery will lead to more demand in the healthcare sector. In addition, the personal care service and travel industry will bring innovation to cater to the rising demand and population growth.
Earning a formal education will enable young people to make around $17,000 more annually, in contrast to a high school diploma, according to Pew Research. Now, let us look at some critical reasons why proper education will help you land your dream job.
Education Will Equip You With The Required Knowledge
First, you need to realize what your dream job is. What pumps you up and motivates you to get out of bed each morning? Is it to bring innovation in technology? To impart knowledge by teaching others? To provide healthcare to those in need of it? Or, are you content in your current role as a sales manager and want to become a sales director?
You will know what to do once you have a purpose in mind. The right direction will be to pursue the relevant program to accumulate the required knowledge needed to land that dream position you desire. The training program will equip you with a solid theoretical base to apply in your functional role.
For example, with an accounting and finance degree, you will learn the best financial practices in the industry to make you proficient in your role. Similarly, in a management program, you will learn to develop leadership skills, people management, organization skills, and dealing with conflicts.
Develop and Enhance Your Soft Skills
No matter your dream career, soft skills are an essential requirement in every sector. For example, you do not just learn technical knowledge and skills during your degree program. It helps you develop self-confidence and self-esteem by working in teams, critical thinking and problem solving, communicating, and developing persuasion skills.
Such skills are often more in demand than technical knowledge. Some companies that operate in a highly competitive and fast-paced environment look for talent more than technical expertise. They train such people and equip them with specialized knowledge. Therefore, you cannot ignore your soft skills and fully utilize your educational program.
Inculcate a Strong Work Ethic
A strong work ethic pertains to time management between work and study, delivering on time, and demonstrating professional behavior at all times. Juggling between work and studies will not be an easier task. Keeping your goal in mind and focusing on it will help. It will show your managers and supervisors that you are serious about your job, despite your ongoing educational program. In addition, this will reflect your dedication and consistency, and you might end up in their excellent books.
Alternatively, if you are in management, it will help set an example for your subordinates, direct reports, and peers. It might motivate them to upgrade their skills too.
Develop a Social and Professional Network
An excellent way to grow your network is by honing the required skills among your peers. You might end up working together or need to contact them in the future. Many graduates that keep in touch after graduation take advantage of their network. They work together and pool resources and contacts to help them grow in their roles.
It also helps create a comfortable environment since you already know those people. Alternatively, they can help you get in touch with the professional service you require. Their recommendation might come in handy due to the trust in effective networking. This way, you will further be able to branch out your network by including mentors, teachers, and other professionals. Stay in touch with the people who know many professionals. They will be able to help you get in touch with any required resources.
Some people even formulate close friendships and bonding from such networks. You might end up finding an individual or a group of lifelong friends. Therefore, never underestimate the importance of effective networking. Some employers look for networking skills.
Humans, just like machines, require upgrades by updating their skills and knowledge. If you want to grow in your current position, pursue your passion, or land your dream job, you must enhance your skills first. It does not just require the technical abilities to perform the job tasks but other undeniable skills that will help you get further in your career. It includes developing your soft skills, embracing a solid work ethic, and developing networking skills. Whatever stage you are at in your career, never undermine the importance of education that can open doors for you.