Do you have a nagging feeling that you could improve your lifestyle by making a few minor changes? For most working adults, the quality of their daily lives is highly dependent on their income level. Likewise, how much they earn is a direct result of what kind of job they hold, which, in turn, is a function of their educational level. It’s safe to say that if you want to live better and reach your optimum lifestyle, the first step is to augment your educational credentials. For those who already hold undergraduate diplomas, that means getting a graduate degree in a pertinent, employment-related field. Here’s how to get started.
Optimize Your Résumé
The main problem with résumés is that they have a noticeably short shelf life. As you add months to your work history, skills to your area of expertise, and accomplishments to your list of achievements, that old résumé just isn’t going to cut it. Updating is not a simple matter, either. Terminology changes, as do the methods employers use to select interview candidates. Consider hiring a professional résumé writer to polish your old document, add the current key words employers are looking for, and correct embedded mistakes. An updated resume may highlight to you career ideas that you can try that are outside your current scope but still attainable with your skill set.
Get a Job-Ready Master’s Degree
Arrange financing for the graduate program of your choice. For example, unless you have enough in savings to cover the entire cost of the degree, seek out a private lender to cover the expense of the schooling. If you truly wish to get ahead of the competition in your professional niche, a master’s degree can do it. Plus, when you opt for a private lender, you have the luxury of being able to find the repayment period, terms, and interest rates that work for you.
Use Best Practices Networking Techniques for an Optimum Lifestyle
Unfortunately, far too many people think that networking is something only business owners should do. Additionally, there’s a common misconception that building a network entails handing out lots of business cards and joining local merchant societies. As for the first, networking for the purpose of career enhancement should be an ongoing process, and one should be doing it even while studying for a degree. Second, effective networking involves participating in online forums, posting digital résumés on link sites, attending in-person job fairs and seminars, doing community service work, and putting yourself and your abilities front-and-center.
Do Micro Pro-Bono Projects for Local Organizations
Whatever your skills or line of work, chances are you can ramp up your credibility (and visibility) by doing several short pro-bono projects for charitable organizations, churches, or needy individuals. These kinds of efforts will expand your horizons in multiple ways, but at the same time, they’ll serve as effective advertisements of your skills and willingness to be of service to the community.
Start With Freelancing and Solo Work
When you choose to boost the quality of how you live by achieving an optimum lifestyle with a graduate degree, consider freelancing in your discipline while in school. There’s no need to work more than a few hours per week, but this effort is an excellent way to earn some extra cash and keep your skills fresh.
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