Sunday, October 29, 2006

The Value Of A Bachelor Degree

By: Michael Russell

More and more people are pursuing their bachelor degree education in light of the increasing demand for such certificates among employers. These individuals are of the option that higher academic achievements will earn them heftier paychecks.

Is this really true and sort of value do corporations actually place on a bachelor degree? A bachelor degree provides an advantage in the employment market. It's testament to a candidate's depth of knowledge and experience in a particular subject or field.

At times, a bachelor degree is an added bonus for companies seeking individuals who have excelled in leadership positions, academic qualifications and extra-curricular activities. Many companies value undergraduate qualifications, as most demand that such credentials come with some relevant work experience.

Undergraduate qualifications benefit young job seekers at entry-level positions, as they can command a marginal premium in terms of remuneration over non-undergraduates. This is more so if the bachelor degree is from a reputable university. An undergraduate education gives prospective employers more confidence in hiring a particular candidate, as it forms the basis of his competency and capability.

However, it's important to determine the relevance of the degree to the job the candidate is applying for. The value of an undergraduate degree varies from company to company though. It depends on what is required of the employee. Some companies look for academic qualifications but others focus on skills.

The value of such academic credentials can be quantified in terms of remuneration and other benefits. However, in determining the compensation package, the employer may also look at criteria like the candidate's previously drawn salary and work experience.

As a conservative estimate, most undergraduate candidates may earn 20% to 30% more than their counterparts with only a diploma. A candidate should realize that the compensation depends on the company's expectations of him. He shouldn't assume that such compensation will provide a return on investment of his educational expenses.

Some employers do place a premium on undergraduate qualifications. For entry-level undergraduate candidates, you can expect close to a 37% increase in basic salary. Some other companies have a policy to compensate employees based on their academic achievements. For instance, an employee with a bachelor degree will earn an additional 16% compared with his peers whereas a Master degree will gain another 16%.

In differentiating between the undergraduate candidate and the non-undergraduate candidate, some would argue that further academic training nurtures people with superior problem-solving skills. Many bachelor degree holders have gone through the process of sharpening such skills through the rigorous demands of their studies. They're also perceived as being more enthusiastic and committed.

There is an increasing trend of companies seeking recruits with bachelor degrees. As business competition escalates, companies need people with even more specialized knowledge and strategic thinking to get ahead.

The relevance of the undergraduate degree depends on the nature of company's work. A bachelor degree in business management is a generic qualification that gives a person a balanced foundation in managing a business.

After all, undergraduate programs provide candidates with the techniques needed for specialized jobs. From the employer's perspective, there is an added level of confidence in knowing that lessons learnt while pursuing an undergraduate degree empower the employee to perform better. The methodology on analysis, strategy, trends and academic research work broaden the individual's knowledge of selected fields.

Michael Russell

Your Independent Bachelor Degree guide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Michael Russell - EzineArticles Expert Author

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