Whether you have been employed in your current field for one year or 10 years, personal circumstances, relocation and even boredom might lead you to consider a career change. If you want to pursue a job in a field unrelated to your current work, going back to school to get an advanced degree helps you make the switch. College courses help you learn a new skill set and expand your understanding of unfamiliar subject matter. Research your desired career path thoroughly and start with one or two courses to make sure you enjoy the material, recommends Dr. Randall S. Hansen, founder of Quintessential Careers.
In a competitive field, you need to go above and beyond standard employee expectations to receive a promotion or a salary increase. In fact, some careers, such as nursing and education, require you to pursue continued education throughout your employment to stay updated on new technology and techniques. People seeking a promotion or raise often get an advanced degree in their current field to increase their value to the company. Discuss your plans to further your education with your boss to negotiate the possibility of a promotion in the future. Employers are often impressed by the initiative an advanced degree requires, and they might help you pay the tuition if it will benefit the company.
People often find themselves working in a field totally unrelated to their passions. Whether for financial reasons or family demands, many people seek degrees for careers they have no interest in. For example, you may work as a legal secretary but you enjoy reading books and writing poetry every minute of your spare time. According to Gettysburg College, furthering your education in a subject matter you enjoy is a great reason to obtain a graduate degree. If you have the time and the money, get an advanced degree in a subject you love to help you form a deeper understanding of the topic and share your interests with like-minded students.