How do you make more money? It first starts by investing in yourself. Self-investment takes effort, time, and money — but the returns can last a lifetime. It involves education and certification to expand your opportunities. But whatever path you take, your money-making journey requires significant self-investment.
A formal education, while not required, helps you expand potential opportunities. What you learn in school teaches you valuable skills and knowledge used in future positions. A degree doesn’t ensure competence by any means, but it at least shows some verifiable background. Employment experience matters more than formal education, though a degree benefits young employees new in their desired field.
Proof of knowledge or expanded training never stops in your career, so look for chances to obtain certifications. Google, Coursera, and universities all offer structured training through their certificate programs. You may believe that no one cares about certificates, but they provide a valuable talking point in interviews. Certificates and schooling pad your resume, while also providing training to enhance your skills. Whenever you improve yourself, you increase your opportunities to make more money.
But Do I Need a Degree?
Degrees, diplomas, or certifications aren’t mandatory, but they always help. At minimum, they help you pass online screening questionaries when submitting job applications. They also help you stand out in a crowded field of new applicants.
Without a degree, you need something else to prove your abilities and competence. Relevant job experience can outweigh formal education — but it depends on the field. For example, I can’t apply to be an electrician just because I’ve replaced a few light fixtures at home. In some industries, accredited certifications aren’t just preferred — they’re required.
Formal education opens a serious number of opportunities for recent graduates and new employees. Beyond those doors, you’ll find even more locked doors. Those new doors will open with job experience, certifications, and networking. And while self-investment requires substantial effort and financial commitment, the payoffs often outweigh the investment.
Start by now by improving one skill in your free time. You can take a free Google course or shadow some in a desired field. Every small investment builds your career capital and moves you closer to higher earnings.
Money Method Tip: Before paying for any course or program, ask yourself: “Am I learning a subject or a skill?”
Subjects provide knowledge. Skills provide career options.
