When you get an associate's degree, you open new doors of opportunities in the work force. For example, if you want to become a dental hygienist, you will need an associate's degree to enter the field. And registered nurses will need at least an associate's degree to start their careers.
Getting an associate's degree can also increase your salary. According to PayScale, the salary for an administrative assistant with an associate's degree is about $31,000, and a retail store manager with this degree earns about $40,000. Administrative assistants without the degree earn about $20,000.
Another advantage of having an associate's degree is that you will gain new skills that help you make the transition into the work force. For example, you may already know how to style hair, but taking cosmetology courses enhances those skills.
Receiving an associate's degree also increases your confidence. When you set a goal of getting the associate's degree, especially if you struggled with some of the courses but accomplished the goal, you get a sense of gratification.
Another benefit of an associate's degree is the flexibility of degree programs that suit every student's schedule. For example, older workers can take classes in the afternoon, at night or on weekends.