Going to school can be a luxury today, largely due to the heavy cost. According to PEW Research released in 2019, one-third of adults under age 30 have student loan debt. That’s quite a large number of people who must pay off student debt in addition to the basic costs of living, all while trying to prepare for their careers.
As a natural solution to these issues, many savvy students and ambitious people are finding schooling that directly results in good jobs. Careers are always changing with the fast-moving world of technology, but there are certain careers that will continue to be in high demand in the years to come.
The best part about many of these career choices is that students can receive the appropriate training in less than the standard four years. Less time in school means less money spent and an earlier start to a profitable career. Here are five types of degrees or certificates that require less schooling and have lucrative starting salaries.
Software development
As the age of technology continues to drive the economy and even how people socialize, IT degrees are increasing in demand. Hardware and software are always getting an upgrade or change, so it helps if you are on the right side of that equation — the one making the changes.
Graduates with a software engineering degree can earn a significant paycheck upon graduation and getting an entry-level job. Glassdoor data suggests the median annual salary for entry-level software engineer salaries is nearly $75,000. Learn more about this associate’s degree and other IT options here.
Cybersecurity
In a world that’s increasingly complex, digital security holds more and more weight. New scams and phishing schemes pop up every day, and the workforce needs more people to help keep sensitive information safe.
Jobs in cybersecurity are lucrative and readily available. Getting an Associate of Applied Science Degree with a cybersecurity emphasis from LDSBC is a fast track to getting a job in the field. According to Salary.com, an entry-level cybersecurity job pays an average of $63,000 annually.
Project management
If juggling projects, checking in with people and keeping everyone on task is something you enjoy doing, you might have a promising career in project management. The job isn’t built for everyone — many people aren’t efficient with their time, they don’t know how to pace the work out to meet deadlines and they need some guidance when working with others. Project managers make sure work is completed on time and that the majority of people working on the projects are satisfied.
For this long list of responsibilities, project managers can expect to be paid well — especially at an entry-level position. According to Glassdoor, the average entry-level project manager takes home $60,000 a year. This is a great starting salary for someone who likes the compensation of tech jobs but has a different set of skills.
Supply chain management
This is one of the behind-the-scenes jobs that nobody realizes is a vital key to making any business work. As a result, they are compensated well. Supply chain managers work with manufacturers, vendors, transportation and other businesses to make sure the product they work with is made well and delivered to viable markets.
The Global Supply Chain & Operations program at LDSBC teaches students to become valuable and successful employees. Not to mention supply chain managers/analysts can make an average of $57,000 in an entry-level position in the Salt Lake City area. Not only is the salary encouraging, but so is the job outlook. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field is supposed to grow by about 5% by 2028.
Network administration
Even if you already have a base understanding of networks, routers, and all of the nitty gritty computer essentials, getting a certificate in network administration can boost your skillset. The Network Administration certificate from LDSBC prepares students to take and pass the Cisco CCNA certification exams.
For those who already have some knowledge in this field, the addition of a certificate can boost your chances of taking home a better paycheck. Ziprecruiter says the average salary for an entry-level position as a network administrator is $52,000 annually.
When it comes to choosing a career that you like and one that pays well, you don’t have to settle for one or the other. Browse through all of LDSBC’s certificates and associate degree programs to find the course that fits your timeline and needs.