Kaplan Survey: More Considering Grad School

A November Kaplan survey showed a steady increase in Kaplan's law and business school preparation programs. According to the survey, the number of people taking the LSAT or GMAT has notably increased, with those taking the GMAT rising nearly 6%. 

But what is the reason for this increase in the demand for higher education?  Many people hope to ride out the unstable economy by going back to school. Students are reluctant to enter a work force plagued by job losses and lay-offs. By returning to school, people are able to prepare for a stable economy in the future by making themselves more qualified and desirable as an employee.

If you can't seem to get a job in today's economy, prepare for a better future and enroll in a Kaplan Continuing Education course today.

High Demand for IT Jobs

Thirteen percent of jobs posted online are Information Technology related jobs. This accounts for more job listings than any other field.

While the IT field is very large, this statistic is evidence that computers are becoming more widely used for a variety of tasks. Although the economy has experienced a downturn, the IT job market has not been as affected as expected.

Another surprising trend in the IT field is the starting salary. Even in this down economy, IT professionals can still expect to make over $50,000 annually.

The demand for qualified IT professionals is growing and it is not showing any signs of slowing.

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10 Reasons to Get an Online Education in a Slowing Economy

Here are 10 reasons why getting an Online Education may be the best career move considering today's economy:

1. Invest in Yourself - Stocks are down. Invest your money in your education and reap the benefits later.

2. Keep your Job - Make yourself a more desirable and motivated employee by learning new skills or earning a certificate.

3. Prepare for the Worst - Layoffs are a reality. Keep your competitive edge by going back to school.

4. Increase your Potential - Higher education can increase the chances of a promotion or raise.

5. Change your Profession - It might be worth your while to become qualified for a career in a more "recession proof" field.

6. Learn Now, Pay Later - You might not have the money for school now, but student loans can help until you are in a secure career.

7. Employee Tuition Reimbursement - Check your employer's policy on tuition reimbursements. You would be surprised how many employers would pitch in for your education.

8. Defer Current Loans - If you are already paying back student loans from the first time around you may be able to defer your payments until even later if you return to school.

9. Save Gas - With today's prices who has the money to drive to class? Online classes offer a more convenient and affordable solution to $4 a gallon.

10. Spare Time - Scheduling classes around a full time job is nearly impossible. If you choose online education you can learn at your own pace in your spare time and you can keep your day job.

IT job growth amid uncertain economic times

The job forecast is not all bad nationwide, apparently. From an article on IT job growth:

The Buffalo Niagara region added 4,200 jobs in April from a year ago, showing employment gains amid uncertain economic times nationally.

Tim O’Brien, managing director of Spherion Staffing Services in Rochester, said he was “pleasantly surprised” by the state’s April jobs report. “It does reflect there still is opportunity here,” he said.

Spherion’s New York Employee Confidence Index increased in April. One of its findings: 72 percent of workers surveyed were confident in the future of their employer, up 13 percentage points from the previous month.

That could indicate people are more inclined to hunker down and stay in their current jobs rather than look around, he said. But in certain sectors Spherion serves, such as information technology, engineering and accounting and finance, demand is strong for new hires.