Earning Your Degree: The Intangible Benefits
UA Grantham graduates, left to right: Cherry Blake, Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications; Amber Wilson, Certificate in Medical Coding and Billing; Karla Munoz-Garcia, Master of Science in Business Intelligence; Michael Aliamus, Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology
The Tangible Benefits of Earning a Degree
Earning a degree is often regarded as a gateway to numerous tangible benefits, such as increased earning potential, enhanced career opportunities, and the development of new skills. These practical outcomes are typically at the forefront of anyone considering higher education, as they directly impact one’s professional and financial standing, but earning your degree has intangible benefits that may even surpass those listed above.
The ability to position oneself for a promotion, command a higher salary, or transition into a different industry are powerful motivators. However, beyond these advantages, there is a range of intangible benefits that resonate deeply, on a personal and emotional level, often leaving a lasting impact long after the degree has been earned.
The Intangible Benefits of Earning a Degree
One of the most profound intangible benefits is the immense sense of personal accomplishment that comes from achieving a meaningful goal, particularly one that has been deferred or seems out of reach. Says UA Grantham graduate Amber W., “Completing my associate degree is one of the biggest accomplishments I have achieved.” Life comes at you: it often presents challenges that can delay or derail educational pursuits — life events, family responsibilities, financial constraints, or the demands of work can all contribute to postponing the pursuit of a degree.
When someone finally returns to complete their education and graduate, the experience is often transformative. It’s not just about adding a credential to a resume; it’s about reclaiming a dream, proving to oneself that it’s never too late to achieve what might have once seemed impossible. The sense of fulfillment that accompanies this achievement is deeply gratifying and often serves as a powerful reminder of one’s resilience and determination. Krystal B., a UA Grantham graduate, said this: “I thank the school so much for helping me accomplish my degree goals and see my dream goal of having a degree in the field that I enjoy.”
The Ripple Effect
Earning a degree can have a significant ripple effect within one’s family, especially for those with children or grandchildren. It serves as a living example of the value of education, perseverance, and lifelong learning. Seeing a parent or grandparent commit to and achieve a higher education goal can be incredibly inspiring. It reinforces the idea that education is a lifelong journey and that the pursuit of knowledge is a worthy endeavor at any stage of life. This example can influence generational attitudes toward education. Says UA Grantham graduate Karla M.,: “I want to set an excellent example for my daughter and prove that we can overcome anything we set our minds to.”
In addition to the personal and familial benefits, earning a degree also plays a crucial role in shaping one’s sense of identity and professional self-worth. In many workplaces, the possession of a degree is a common denominator among peers. Without one, it’s easy to feel inadequate or as though you don’t fully belong, even if you are otherwise skilled and experienced. Michael A., a UA Grantham graduate, said: “I carried this insecurity with me, that these people had fancy degrees and I don’t.”
As Michael’s story illustrates, completing a degree can eliminate lingering doubts about your qualifications and reinforcing your sense of professional competence. This newfound confidence can significantly enhance job satisfaction, as you no longer feel like an outsider or an underdog. Instead, you can engage with your peers as an equal, secure in the knowledge that you have earned your place in the professional community.
Overcoming Significant Challenges
The journey to earning a degree often involves overcoming significant challenges, whether they be academic, financial, or personal. This process not only builds resilience but also provides a deeper understanding of oneself. The discipline, time management, and problem-solving skills developed during this time are invaluable, extending beyond the classroom into all areas of life. Graduates often find that the process of earning their degree has made them more adaptable, better equipped to handle stress, and more capable of tackling complex problems — qualities that are essential in both professional and personal contexts.
Finally, the degree itself, while a symbol of achievement, also represents the culmination of a journey filled with learning, growth, and self-discovery. It’s a testament to your ability to set a goal, work toward it, and overcome obstacles along the way. This sense of personal victory can be immensely satisfying, providing a lasting sense of pride and accomplishment that stays with you long after graduation.
While the tangible benefits of earning a degree are undeniably significant, the intangible rewards are equally – perhaps more – powerful. They include the deep sense of personal fulfillment, the ability to inspire and set an example for future generations, and the enhanced confidence and sense of belonging that comes from having a degree. These intangible benefits enrich your life in ways that go beyond the professional realm, contributing to a greater sense of purpose, identity, and self-worth.