Back to School? Why Another Degree Won’t Necessarily Advance Your Career
In a world that seems to value credentials above all else, it’s no wonder that many professionals find themselves at a crossroads, wondering if more education is the answer to their career struggles. With the rising costs of tuition and the pressure to keep up with an ever-changing job market, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that another degree is the golden ticket to success. But is this belief rooted in reality, or is it simply an expensive misconception?
For many, the thought of returning to school brings a sense of hope, a chance to “fix” what seems to be holding them back in their careers. However, the truth is, additional education might not be the solution. In fact, it could be a costly detour from the real path to success.
A.J. Mizes, CEO & Founder of The Human Reach, puts it simply, “I know what it’s like to feel stuck, to feel like you’re not in the right place in your career, company, or life. I’ve dreaded the alarm clock ringing in the morning, the people I didn’t want to talk to, and the meetings I didn’t want to take. I’ve 100% been there. But those experiences taught me that the key to advancing isn’t necessarily another degree—it’s understanding and using the skills you already have.”
Mizes isn’t alone in this sentiment. Increasingly, professionals are questioning the return on investment (ROI) of additional education. With student loan debt at an all-time high and the cost of higher education continuing to soar, the decision to return to school isn’t one that should be taken lightly. Is a new degree really the best way to advance your career, or could you be better served by focusing on the skills and experiences you already possess?
The Real ROI of Another Degree
There’s no denying that education plays an important role in career development. But when professionals automatically assume that another degree is the only way to advance, they overlook an essential truth: Degrees don’t guarantee success.
In many cases, the skills required to excel in your career are ones you already possess. They just need to be recognized and harnessed. Instead of investing in another expensive degree, professionals could benefit from taking a step back to evaluate what they already bring to the table.
Take, for instance, the rise of professional career coaching. Instead of focusing on academic credentials, career coaching helps individuals identify their unique strengths, develop a personal brand, and leverage their existing skills to unlock new opportunities. Mizes explains, “Professional career coaching seeks to utilize the skills you already have, rather than directing you to go get more. It’s about empowering you to harness those skills to skyrocket you towards your career aspirations.”
Leveraging What You Already Have
Many people overlook the potential they already possess, believing that only external validation—like a degree—will open doors for them. However, career coaching offers an alternative by helping individuals recognize the value they already bring to their field. By focusing on practical tools like personal branding, resume refinement, and skill development, coaching allows professionals to make immediate strides without the need for another degree.
Some may argue that certain fields still require advanced education, such as medicine or law. But for most professionals, the key to advancement is not in the classroom—it’s in refining and promoting their existing skills. Certifications, online training, or even shadowing experienced colleagues can often provide more targeted, cost-effective solutions than returning to school full-time.
For example, one of the most powerful tools in advancing your career is building a personal brand that showcases your unique value. A career coach can help you craft a compelling narrative around your skills and experiences, making you stand out to employers without the need for another degree. As Mizes points out, “Recognizing the skills you already have is the first step to making your dreams a reality without the extra stress of school.”
Is Another Degree Worth It?
Ultimately, the decision to return to school should be made with careful consideration of the ROI. While another degree may be beneficial in some cases, it’s not always the most effective or necessary way to advance your career. Instead, professionals should explore alternative learning resources, such as certifications, specialized training, and even mentorship programs, which can offer more immediate benefits at a fraction of the cost.
At a time when career development seems more competitive than ever, it’s easy to believe that more education equals more success. But as Mizes and countless others have discovered, the key to career advancement lies not in the number of degrees you hold, but in your ability to recognize, refine, and leverage your existing strengths.
Before you invest in more schooling, take a moment to reflect on the skills you already have. Is another degree truly necessary, or could you achieve your career goals by harnessing the expertise you’ve already gained? With the right guidance and focus, the answer may not lie in a classroom—but in you.
