Earning an associate’s degree is a significant accomplishment. Reaching this educational milestone often brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty, leading to the question: “What should I do next?” The path forward is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a series of distinct opportunities, each with its own merits. This guide is designed to help you navigate these possibilities and make an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations.
Evaluate Your Career and Personal Goals
Before deciding on a path, it is beneficial to conduct a self-assessment. The first area to consider is your financial situation. Do you have an immediate need to start earning a full-time income, or do you have the savings or support to postpone full-time work? Evaluating your financial obligations against your resources will provide clarity on which options are feasible.
Your long-term career aspirations are another important factor. Consider the career you ultimately want. Does that profession require a bachelor’s degree or more advanced education for entry-level or senior positions? Some fields value the specialized, hands-on training an associate’s degree provides, allowing you to enter your desired industry right away. Researching job descriptions for roles you find interesting can offer insight into employer expectations.
Finally, reflect on your personal interests and how you learn best. Some individuals thrive in an academic environment and are eager to continue their formal education, while others feel ready for a practical application of their skills. Understanding your learning style is important for your satisfaction. Considering your personal timeline can also help you weigh the time commitment required for each potential path.
Continue Your Education for a Bachelor’s Degree
A common pathway after an associate’s degree is to continue your education and earn a bachelor’s degree. This route offers long-term advantages, especially in earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly earnings for a bachelor’s degree holder are approximately $1,493, compared to $1,058 for an associate’s degree holder. This difference in annual income can compound over a career.
For those choosing this option, the transfer process is a key consideration. Many community colleges have formal partnerships with four-year universities called articulation agreements. These agreements create a seamless transition by pre-determining which credits from your associate’s program will be accepted toward a bachelor’s degree. This can save you time and money, so it is advisable to research these agreements and speak with academic advisors at both institutions.
When selecting a bachelor’s program, it is important to find one that accepts your credits and aligns with your career goals. Look into the reputation of the program and the university, as well as the total cost of attendance. The program’s format is also a factor, as many universities offer flexible options like online or hybrid models. A bachelor’s degree can open doors to more advanced career opportunities and is a prerequisite for graduate studies.
Enter the Workforce with Your Degree
Your associate’s degree is a credential that has prepared you for direct entry into many fields. When marketing yourself to employers, emphasize the specialized knowledge and practical, hands-on training you received. Many associate’s degrees are designed to provide job-ready skills, which is a selling point for hiring managers looking for candidates who can contribute immediately.
Job opportunities are available in high-demand sectors like healthcare technology, information technology, and the skilled trades, which actively recruit candidates with two-year degrees. Specific job titles where an associate’s is valued include:
- Diagnostic medical sonographer
- Dental hygienist
- Radiologic technologist
- Computer support specialist
These roles offer competitive salaries and strong career growth trajectories.
An effective job search begins with a well-crafted resume. List the full name of your degree, the institution, and your graduation date. If you are a recent graduate with limited work history, place your education section at the top and include relevant coursework or projects. Tailor your resume for each application, highlighting the experience that relates to the job description, and network with professionals in your target industry.
Combine Work and Further Education
Combining full-time work with continuing your education toward a bachelor’s degree offers a way to advance. This strategy allows you to build your professional resume and earn an income while progressing toward a higher academic credential. You can also directly apply what you learn in the classroom to your job, reinforcing both your work performance and academic understanding.
A benefit of this path is the availability of employer tuition assistance programs. Many companies offer this benefit to help employees cover education costs, making a bachelor’s degree more affordable. These programs, sometimes called educational assistance, vary by employer; some may cover the full cost of tuition, while others reimburse up to an annual amount, such as the $5,250 tax-free limit set by the IRS. Companies like Boeing, Lowe’s, and Amazon have established programs to support employee education.
This path is made possible by the flexibility of higher education. Many universities cater to working professionals by offering part-time enrollment and fully online degree programs. These formats are designed to fit around a standard work schedule, allowing you to balance your job and studies. Before accepting a job, it is worthwhile to inquire about the company’s tuition benefits in the employee handbook or through the human resources department.
Enhance Your Credentials with Certifications
Another way to build on your associate’s degree is by earning professional certifications. These credentials validate your knowledge and skills in a specific technology, methodology, or software. Unlike a degree program that covers a broad range of subjects, a certification is focused on proving expertise in a particular area applicable to a job.
Certifications offer a fast and cost-effective method to boost your employability and increase your earning potential. In evolving fields like IT or healthcare, they signal to employers that your skills are current. For example, a graduate with an associate’s in information technology could pursue the CompTIA A+ certification. Graduates in other fields might consider credentials like the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) or a Certified Professional in Food Safety (CP-FS).
This option can be a standalone strategy or used to supplement other paths. You can earn certifications while you work to qualify for a promotion or while you search for your first job to make your resume more competitive. Because they require less time and financial investment than a full degree, certifications provide a targeted way to add value to your associate’s degree.