How a Bachelor’s Degree Program Can Help You Pursue Your Professional Calling

Figuring out what career is best for you isn’t always easy, and many people don’t find the right profession; just 51% of Americans report that they are satisfied with their job.¹ But you can take steps to prevent yourself from ending up in an unsatisfying job—and if you’re in one now, you may want to take a step back and think about your professional calling. Studies suggest that being successful at work begins with doing something you want to do.² If you’re not sure what it is, one way to discover your interests and strengths is to enroll in an undergraduate degree program.

What Subject Do You Love?

In the U.S. primary education system, most schools divide areas of study into broad categories such as English, history, math, and science. At the collegiate level, you have the opportunity to focus on a more specific subject. So ask yourself: What interests me? What kinds of challenges do I find appealing? If you always looked forward to math class, you might consider a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. If you’re passionate about social justice, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) might be a natural fit.

Regardless of which path you choose, the key is to identify where your personal interests intersect with a high-quality undergraduate degree program at an accredited university. Thanks to the availability of online bachelor’s degrees, there are numerous options that allow you to earn your degree in a more convenient, flexible format that doesn’t require you to leave your current job or move away from home.

What Are You Good At?

Before deciding on an undergraduate degree program or a new career, take a moment to consider your abilities—and be honest with yourself. Are you both caring and organized? You might consider pursuing a BS in Healthcare Management, potentially leading to a career in a hospital setting. Are you good at conveying information in a convincing manner? Perhaps you might explore a BS in Communication and a career in marketing. Are you known as a compassionate person? A BS in Human Services could be right for you and prepare you for a career in social work.

What Are Your Life Goals?

Career guidance experts recognize the value of identifying your aptitudes and interests when choosing a degree or career path.³ But when choosing among bachelor’s degree programs, you also should consider your life goals. What kind of lifestyle do you want? Are you comfortable working long or unpredictable hours, or would you prefer a more leisurely pace and regular schedule? Do you want the opportunity to earn a lot of money, or are you comfortable in a rewarding career that may yield a more modest salary? Any bachelor’s degree program, whether online or on campus, can lead to a variety of career options, so you should do your research before enrolling in a specific program. Most universities—particularly online universities—provide information on potential careers that you might enter after completing a specific bachelor’s degree program. It’s worth your time to do your research.

What Comes Next?

Take a look at your interests, aptitudes, and goals, and look for careers where all three intersect. Then consider which paths you can take to enter that career. For many people, enrolling in an undergraduate degree program is a vital first step to following their professional calling. In fact, you can enroll in a bachelor’s degree program even if you haven’t yet decided on a specific career. Just knowing that you would like to work in the health field, or the information technology field, or the criminal justice field, for example, can be enough to help you choose the right program and put you on the path to the right career.

Support for First-Time College Students

For those who are new to the college experience and just beginning a bachelor’s degree program, the Walden Undergraduate Academy™ offers additional support. You’ll learn alongside other first-time students, completing a prescribed set of General Education courses during the first four quarters of your online program. During this time, you will have the support of specially trained advisors and faculty dedicated to providing you with a strong foundation for continued academic success. You’ll gain new workplace skills and earn certificates of completion for reaching key program milestones. Participating students of the Walden Undergraduate Academy™ also receive two financial incentives—reduced tuition prices for the General Education courses they complete while in the Academy and a grant upon successful completion of their degree program. It’s a great path for first-time adult college students who wish to position themselves for success as they embark on a new educational journey.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering online bachelor’s degree programs along with Walden University’s Undergraduate Academy for first-time adult students. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

¹Source: www.conference-board.org/press/pressdetail.cfm?pressid=7528
²Source: www.nytimes.com/2014/07/06/opinion/sunday/the-secret-of-effective-motivation.html
³Source: http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2014/09/16/should-assessment-tests-determine-your-next-career-move

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.