| An analysis of the annual reports and statistics of | | | | High Tech Jobs |
| organizations across industries can help predict job | | | | In order to deal with high unemployment levels and |
| trends in the short term. However, in an increasingly | | | | low pay scales in the quick paced, high-tech fields, |
| volatile economic situation that is susceptible to | | | | many people are turning to pursue two-year degrees |
| impact from unpredictable factors such as rising | | | | that can help secure a better paying job. An estimate |
| energy costs, inflation and the global political situation, | | | | made by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) |
| such predictions can go awry. To a professional | | | | reports that physical therapist assistant and dental |
| aspiring for career growth and enhanced job | | | | hygienist could be highly in demand over the next |
| opportunities, this translates into the need for being | | | | decade. Incidentally, both these job positions only |
| always prepared in terms of equipping oneself with | | | | require applicants to possess a 2-year associate |
| relevant skills and acquiring contemporary | | | | degree. A key benefit of a 2-year degree as |
| qualifications. When the economy is unfavorable and | | | | compared to a regular four-year college certification |
| available job vacancies are disproportionate to the | | | | is that it saves you two years that can be utilized in |
| number of job seekers, an employer's primary | | | | gaining practical job experience and developing a |
| emphasis in terms of eligibility parameters shifts to | | | | viable career plan. |
| appropriate education from an accredited institute. In | | | | Weighing The Costs |
| such a scenario, the benefit of acquiring a 2-year | | | | While considering the pros and cons of a 2-year |
| degree is obvious. | | | | degree, the benefits mentioned above need to be |
| Job Security | | | | balanced with the financial commitment you would |
| A debatable and highly contested issue if you are an | | | | need to make in terms of costs. It is essential to |
| American citizen is the trend of shipping many jobs | | | | assess what typical job positions and compensation |
| overseas via outsourcing. This increases the need for | | | | you can expect after completing the course. If the |
| enhancing your skills and thereby, employability by | | | | median salary hike over your current package is 30 |
| means of a 2-year degree. Since job experience is no | | | | % and above, the return on investment is fairly |
| longer the only criteria to measure your skills, a | | | | assured and the decision to enroll should be a |
| 2-year degree can help you present to prospective | | | | no-brainer. Whether you are a professional with years |
| employers, a stronger and focused job profile. The | | | | of work experience or a student, you could still have |
| benefit of a 2-year degree is helpful for working | | | | the need for financial assistance to complete the |
| adults and youngsters alike. For the former, who may | | | | 2-year course. It is suggested that you explore |
| have had to quit their education because of time or | | | | sources such as government grants, scholarships or |
| money constraints, a 2-year degree, through a | | | | student loans from state, local, and private financial |
| distant learning program can present the opportunity | | | | institutions. The greatest benefit of a 2-year degree |
| that they might have missed. For the latter, it can | | | | is that you can get certification in less time and lower |
| mean an added qualification or certification that | | | | cost to find suitable employment in that particular |
| enhances their prospects while applying for jobs. | | | | field. |