Leverage Current Job; Pursue Further Education Online/Part-Time (e.g., WGU) for Advancement.

Published on 05/30/2025Hiring & Talent Acquisition Insights

For a high school senior who already has an associate's degree and a good job, the best move is to continue their education and get a bachelor's degree through flexible options.

Key Skills, Tools, and Qualifications Analysis:

  • Hot Skills to Leverage: A proven strong work ethic and significant on-the-job experience.
  • Valuable Existing Qualifications: An associate's degree earned alongside high school, and current employment in a well-paying role.
  • Recommended Tools & Approach for Advancement: Consider online universities (like Western Governors University) or part-time programs that can fit around their existing job.
  • Target Qualification to Acquire: A bachelor's degree, which will complement their existing experience and associate's degree.

Job Opportunities, Resume Directions, and Expected Benefits:

  • Potential Job Opportunities & Resume Direction:
    • This path can lead to advancement within their current field or company, using new academic credentials for senior or specialized roles.
    • It opens up new opportunities in organizations or positions that require a bachelor's degree, where their unique blend of early, substantial experience and full academic qualifications will be a strong differentiator.
    • Resumes should highlight the accelerated academic achievement (associate's in high school), significant early work experience, and the ongoing pursuit of a bachelor's degree, showcasing exceptional drive and capability.
  • Expected Benefits:
    • Enhanced long-term career prospects and higher earning potential by combining practical skills with advanced academic credentials.
    • Access to a broader range of job roles and leadership positions.
    • Maintained career momentum, as this approach allows them to continue earning income and gaining valuable work experience while studying, avoiding any career setbacks.
    • A significant competitive advantage in the job market due to the rare combination of youth, an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree (once completed), and substantial work history.

In summary, pursuing a bachelor's degree flexibly allows this individual to build on their impressive early achievements, balancing invaluable practical experience with higher academic qualifications to significantly boost their long-term career trajectory and earning capacity without sacrificing current gains.

Origin Reddit Post

r/careerguidance

Should I go to college?

Posted by u/obsessed_guru05/30/2025
Context: I’m a rising high school senior. I’ve never been the brightest, but I’ve done everything to always be the hardest worker in the room. In the past year, I started to see the fruits o

Top Comments

u/obsessed_guru
I updated my post to clarify: as a part of my specialized high school—I’ve already completed all gen ed courses. I’ll graduate HS with an associates degree. I’ve also taken most advanced math
u/kinkyfurby
If I were you I wouldn’t lose the job. Having a good paying job is a luxury many college graduates don’t have nowadays. That being said, I would recommend at least doing school part time to k
u/Moist_One_2968
Hello, speaking from personal experience, I believe everyone should at least attempt college, even if it’s only technical college or trade school. In your case, I would definitely recommend g
u/itssnickers7
You could look into getting a degree online while still working — something like WGU. You’re already getting the experience, which is what really matters. A degree just helps you get past res
u/FluffyPreparation150
Keep the job , knock out gen ed courses. Would I like for you to experience failing a test then walking to cafe like nothing happened? Party on frat row first week of school ? Almost miss a
u/FluffyPreparation150
I feel like you have unique opportunity to cherry pick classes you might like (history of clay art or adult psychology , etc) just to see if in person your speed . Or just scratch an itch.

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