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Every year at this time our thoughts turn toward the thousands of young Utahns who are completing their high school education and moving onto the next phase of life. That next phase should include more education.
For incentives, consider this information provided by the U.S. Census Bureau: On average, a person who enters the workforce as a high school graduate, and who doesn't pursue additional education will earn about $1.4 million dollars in a lifetime, while a bachelor's degree holder will earn about a million dollars more. Earning power increases significantly with each advanced degree.
It used to be that a person with a high school degree could work one's way into a skilled job. That's changing! According to one study, just three decades ago 41% of jobs nationally required advanced training. Today, 60% of jobs require more than just a high school education and by 2020, the figure is expected to be closer to 70%.
In short, education is becoming increasingly vital to compete, even survive economically in the modern world.
So, to those who are finishing high school this year, KSL says congratulations. What you've accomplished is significant. But don't rest on your laurels. Work to assure your future success and stability by getting more education.
