As You Begin Your Career: Some Encouraging Words

**Career job information for job seekers and find good   employment job 

By Jessica Santina

Your college education is going to lead you to places you've only dreamed of. You'll be exposed to new concepts; you'll become an engaged, informed citizen; you'll meet interesting and influential people; and you'll make more money than you would without your degree. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2007 the average person with only a high school diploma earned $32,500 per year. An associate's degree brought that up to $42,000, and a bachelor's degree brought it to $53,000.

Still, it's nice to know that all your hard work in college, and the money and time you devoted to your degree program, can really lead you somewhere, just as they did in the following success stories.

Inspired to Help Athletes and Others with Massage Therapy

Chris Reay was a high school athlete whose mother used to give her massages after competitions. She became interested in massage, and took a massage class while in college at Michigan State. This strengthened her interest. After earning her master's degree in social work, she returned to school with the goal of someday going to the Olympics as a massage therapist. She earned her degree in massage, and realized her dream in 1992 when she traveled with the U.S. Olympic team to Barcelona. Today, her spa in Lansing, Michigan is thriving and has received several local small business awards.

From Struggling Mom to Successful Master's Degree Graduate

Lauri Bodenbender was a single mom of two who struggled for ten years to complete an associate's degree at various community and technical colleges in Kentucky, taking a class here or there when she could. But when she discovered the convenience of online learning, she was able to take more classes, helping her earn her associate's degree much more quickly. When she discovered that the job she wanted as an administrator at a local community college required a bachelor's degree, she completed that online. She eventually went on to earn a master's degree, which led her to a survey administration analyst position in the private sector. Thanks to perseverance, commitment, and the convenience of online learning, Bodenbender found herself a very promising career.

Stories like this abound among professionals who have used their college education as a springboard to exciting, and sometimes unexpected, careers.

About the Author ( jobs employment )
Jessica Santina is a freelance writer with a background in media and marketing. She also teaches first-year writing courses at the University of Nevada, Reno.