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Dallas Job Growth Most Beneficial For Those With Advanced Degrees

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics newest figures released Fri., Dec. 5, 2014, employers added 321,000 jobs in November. While the overall jobless rate stayed at 5.8 percent, the prognosis for improvement is very good. Looking back to this time a year ago, Nov. 2013 unemployment was at 7 percent and five years ago it was at 9 percent.

Looking at the Bureau of Labor Statistics figures for Oct. 2014, job growth in the DFW area continues to climb.

The jump is not just for the holiday season. While there has been an increase in holiday retail positions, several employers note that they will be retaining their employees after the holidays. With consistent growth, those that stand the best chance of getting a good job, changing careers or "moving up the ladder" are those with advanced degrees.

"Even though I have 30+ years in law enforcement, returning to school has challenged me and helped develop my leadership skills," said FBI agent Kevin Kolbye, who has just been named the new assistant chief to the Arlington Police Department.

"I was great with technology, but there were gaps in my understanding of business as a whole and I saw that as a barrier to my professional development, so I got my M.B.A.," said Dan Vuksanovich, Chief Marketing Officer at Gravity & Momentum.

When asked what he would tell someone who is considering returning to school, Executive Vice President and Chief Talent Officer at Parkland Health and Hospital System Dr. Jim Dunn said, "You have to have a natural thirst for learning. Going back to school as an adult learner enhances the overall experience because the education becomes more meaningful through immediate application of skills. I love what I am doing."

Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com 

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