Anyone remember the board game the Game of Life? As you make your way around the board which is essentially a timeline of your life, you are required to make big decisions about the direction you would like to take and in turn reach a series of different milestones in both your personal life and career.
One of the most impactful decisions is whether to go to college or to go out and get a job. Though it is only a game, a lot of the consequences of this decision resonate with real life. For example, certain jobs are only available to those who have obtained a degree and these are often the jobs that offer a higher salary.
The University of Maryland have put together this infographic that represents the game of your life, highlighting the decisions you make and the different career paths you could follow. Whether your final goal of the game is to retire and live out the rest of your days in a millionaire estate or countryside acres is in your hands!
1) Do you want to go to college or go straight out to work?
- Though furthering your education can often improve your employment options, it’s also very expensive and a lot or hard work and commitment is required to achieve a good result.
- By getting an entry-level job straight from school, you may even be able to work your way up to a more senior role by the time your peers have finished University.
- When making this decision, think about what career you would like to pursue. Is a degree required for a job in this sector?
- Some of the most popular degrees among top executives are Business Administration, Public Administration, Law and Liberal Arts.
2) How will you progress in your career?
- Make a career plan for yourself so that you have clear goals to aim for.
- Participate in any training programs available to you, to expand your knowledge and qualifications.
- Network with other professionals in your industry.
- Become an expert in your niche, so that you are valued in your industry.
3) Opportunities to further your education later in your career.
- Does your company offer any training or executive development programs?
- Do you want to complete an MBA?
- 29% of companies in the FT500 Index are headed by an MBA graduate.
- 46% of companies in the FT500 have chief executives with an MBA degree.
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