Seven benefits of pursuing a degree or HND after gaining work experience

After gaining substantial experience, learn how professional development courses, such as undergraduate and postgraduate degrees or even an HND, will allow you to improve your employability and remain competitive in the evolving job market.

Have you been working for years and are now thinking of getting a degree or Higher National Diploma (HND)? You are not alone. Many professionals take this step to move ahead in their careers. You will gain new skills and expand your knowledge base with these courses for experienced professionals, thus taking your career to new heights. Higher education is generally directly linked with higher earnings. Data published by the UK government shows that young people with higher qualifications earn up to 58% more than those without General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSEs) from the same socio-economic backgrounds. If you want to enrol in professional development courses, learn the top seven benefits of a degree or HND to understand how acquiring these additional qualifications will allow you to stay relevant and adapt to a rapidly changing job market. 

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What is a degree? 

A degree is a higher academic qualification. It is generally awarded by an accredited higher educational institution after completing a structured course of study. There are two types of degrees: undergraduate and postgraduate. An undergraduate degree includes options such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc). A postgraduate degree is also known as a master’s degree. 

The benefit of a degree is that it provides you with the latest theoretical knowledge, modern research skills and critical thinking, everything you need for career progression. You will have to pursue an undergraduate degree, which can take three to four years of full-time education. After graduation, you will have the option to pursue further studies, such as a master's degree in your chosen discipline and gain employability advantage. 

Benefits of pursuing a degree after work experience 

Having a degree does not guarantee a job, however the time invested in learning and developing new skills can lead to rewarding jobs. The following are some of the major advantages of a bachelor’s degree. 

1. Gain a competitive edge 

Years of work experience have given you practical skills, but with a degree, you can enhance your credentials. Employers prefer candidates with both experience and formal education. The benefit of a BA or a BSc degree is that it will showcase your commitment and expertise to the organisation and could lead to rewarding career opportunities. 

2. Higher earning potential 

One of the best advantages of a master's degree is that you could earn more than professionals without one. The more advanced the qualifications, the better the roles, salaries and financial security you can achieve. Having a degree will also increase your bargaining power during salary negotiations. 

3. Career advancement 

A degree will allow you to qualify for managerial or specialised roles. If you have hit a ceiling in your career, higher education can help you climb the ladder. This is also because organisations prefer to promote candidates with formal education to senior roles. Upskilling through a degree will help you explore better career prospects. 

4. Career change opportunities 

If you want to switch industries, a degree in a new field can provide the knowledge and qualifications you need to pursue your desired career. Moreover, certain professions, such as health and social care, finance and computer science, require a specific degree to enter the sector. Exploring such degrees will help you transition smoothly into your new career. 

5. Personal fulfilment 

Earning a degree is an achievement. It will help you build your confidence, self-worth and a sense of accomplishment. If you have always wanted to pursue further study, a degree will allow you to achieve it. The knowledge you will gain can be applied beyond work. The experience will enrich your life. 

What is a higher national diploma (HND)? 

An HND is a vocational qualification. It focuses on practical skills and real-world applications and is recognised by employers across the world. Depending on the type of qualification, you can complete it in one to two years.  

An HND is an ideal programme if you want to develop targeted skills in a particular field or industry without committing to a full degree. Some of the most popular HNDs offered at GBS are those in business, social care and practice, digital technologies and construction management. You will gain practical work experience while studying. With our HND qualifications, you will also have a chance to collaborate with businesses to acquire job-relevant knowledge. 

Benefits of pursuing an HND after work experience 

The benefits of an HND are endless. This higher qualification focuses on practical skills, which makes it highly relevant to the job market. Learning industry-specific techniques will enhance your job sustainability. The following are some major advantages of pursuing an HND: 

1. Faster and more affordable qualification 

Compared to a full degree, an HND allows you to gain a recognised qualification without committing to full-time study. This is a great option if you want to upskill and get a formal qualification quickly. The flexible nature of the course also allows you to balance your work and personal responsibilities without stepping away from employment. 

2. Enhance leadership opportunities 

After years of experience, getting an HND can help you refine your leadership and managerial skills. You will learn business management principles, which will prepare you to move into supervisory or middle-management roles. If you want to take on more responsibility at work, an HND can give you the necessary foundation. 

3. Top-up route to a full degree 

With an HND, you can complete a full-time degree by studying for just one additional year. At GBS, we offer one-year top-up programmes across various disciplines to help you convert your qualification into a full bachelor’s degree. This pathway is an excellent option if you initially pursue an HND and later decide you want the advantages of having a full degree qualification. 

4. Flexible learning options 

At GBS, you can pursue HND courses on weekdays, evenings and/or weekends. This flexibility allows you to study while balancing your work and personal commitments. The accessibility to higher education will allow you to acquire hands-on training and familiarity with industry practices without compromising on your commitments. 

5. Get professional recognition 

An HND qualification is required for many roles. A formal education demonstrates your critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, which are needed for certain senior roles. Moreover, it will also help you improve your credibility and validate your years of practical experience. 

Choosing between a degree and an HND

Feature 

Degree 

HND 

Duration 

3-4 years 

2 years 

Focus 

Theoretical and academic 

Practical and vocational 

Career prospects 

Broad opportunities, higher-level roles 

Industry-specific roles, advanced learning opportunities 

Further study 

Can lead to a master's degree or a doctorate (PhD) 

Can be topped up to a degree 

Eligibility 

Typically, A-levels or equivalent qualifications 

A-levels, BTEC, or relevant work experience 

Choosing between a degree and an HND can be challenging. These courses for professionals are designed to enhance your career prospects. The right choice will depend on your career goals, industry requirements and your preferred learning style.

An HND provides practical skills for specific jobs while a degree typically leads to higher-level managerial or specialist roles. 

Pursuing a degree or HND after gaining work experience is a smart investment. It will help you enhance your career, increase your earning potential and develop valuable skills. Whether you choose a degree or an HND, further education will help you stay competitive and achieve your professional goals. 

FAQs about the seven benefits of pursuing a degree/HND after gaining work experience

A1. Yes, there are many rewarding jobs across industries in the UK that require only a degree. Moreover, when you combine your years of work experience with a degree, you gain an advantage over other candidates. 

A2. The finance, technology, healthcare and engineering industries offer some of the most popular and rewarding jobs that pay well. 

A3. Whether it is a degree or an HND, both qualifications offer a significant employability advantage. They will help you develop essential skills and improve your career prospects. A degree will provide in-depth theoretical knowledge. You can explore high-paying managerial roles. In an HND, you focus on gaining hands-on experience, which is excellent if you are interested in skill-based industries. Both pathways offer career path planning options. You can choose the programme that best aligns with your goals. 

A4. At GBS, we offer top-up degree programmes that will allow you to convert your HND qualification into a full bachelor's degree within one year. This is a great option if you want to enhance your job sustainability by gaining higher credentials.

A5. Employers value HNDs because of their practical nature and industry relevance. In fields such as construction management, cybersecurity and health and social care, an HND can offer an employability advantage.