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 Planning a Career Change

Benefits of Higher Education

For many individuals, planning a career change leads to an advancement of their education.  There are many ways that additional education can impact your career:

  • better pay
  • higher likelihood of employment
  • better working conditions
  • higher quality of life
  • more ability to compete in the global job market and economy

Explore Career Information Online

 

The 16 national career clusters contain occupations that match similar interests and skills.  Are there any occupations within your cluster that are of interest to you?  An occupation within the same cluster is likely to have similar experience requirements and skills.  Identifying transitional skills helps you understand which skills you are already using in your current job will also be of use in your future occupation. 

 

One of the best places to research occupations and career clusters online is the Alaska Career Information System (AKCIS). This free, interactive online career and college planning system offers detailed information and activities to help you create your personal career plan.  You can use AKCIS in your college, job center, community organization, or on your own.

You can look up information on different occupations including:

  • how much they pay
  • what education and skills are needed
  • the future employment outlook in Alaska and nationally

You can also take interactive assessments to match your interests, skills, and work values to career clusters and occupations. 

  
 Need a high school diploma or GED?

If you've left high school without a diploma, you can still get back on track.

  • Alaska's GED test centers - study for and take your GED
  • Nine Star Education and Employment Services 
    • if you're 19 or younger, complete the High School diploma program
    • practice for and take the GED
  • Accuplacer tests at UA campuses
    • demonstrate your ability to benefit from a college education – even without a high school diploma or GED
    • find the college classes that fit your skills and ability in math and English  
  
 Level of Education

Earnings in 2007 by Educational Attainment of the Population 25 Years and Over*

Level of Education Completed Median Annual Earnings (U.S. Dollars)
Less than a high school diploma $22,256
High school graduate, no college $31,408
Some college, no degree $35,516
Associate degree $38,480
Bachelor’s degree $51,324
Master’s degree $60,580
Doctoral degree $77,844
Professional degree $74,204

 

*Note: The income is based on year-round full-time workers. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008.