College Graduates and CareersAs the debate about whether or not college is worth the expense continues, a recent survey shows that 82% of college graduates believe that their degree has benefited their career in some way.

The “Q2 2014 Employment Confidence Survey” was created by the career site Glassdoor. Over 2,000 American adults were surveyed in June 2014.

More than 50% of employed respondents also felt that they would be more successful if they had a higher level of education. Seventy-one percent of unemployed respondents said that a higher level of education could help them be more successful.

However, having a degree wasn’t the only area of importance that the study identified. Almost two out of three employed respondents (63%)  and 72% of all respondents said that learning specific skills or getting specialized training is the best way to get paid more money and move forward in a career.

Rusty Rueff, Glassdoor’s resident expert on careers and workplaces, explained that traditional education is still valued, but additional learning and training can also help. He said that it is important to stay up to date on the latest trends in an industry to help move forward.

“Going back to school may be one way to learn and improve, but there are also non-traditional ways, such as certificate programs, boot camps, webinars, online non-degreed courses, conferences and more,” Rueff said.

Staying relevant and keeping abreast of the latest industry standards is especially important in fields that are facing difficult times.

Fifty-two percent of respondents said that their company went through cutbacks or reduced salaries in the past year, a 5% increase since the Q2 report in 2013. More than one in three respondents (36%) said their company has been through layoffs or warned employees about the possibility of layoffs.

Other respondents noted positive organizational changes, with 31% of respondents working for companies that have hired a large number of employees.

New stock options or higher compensation was offered to 28% of respondents and 42% had benefits and perks restored after previously being cut.

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