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As we celebrate Valentine’s Day this week, love is in the air, and it’s not just reserved for romantic relationships. Whether you’re “just seeing what’s out there,” already going steady with a profession in higher ed, or want to set up a friend with the field of academia, there are a ton of reasons to fall in love with a career in higher ed. Many people know about the competitive benefits packages, paid time off for holidays, and job stability often associated with this field, but today, I’m going to cover some of the lesser-known benefits of a career in higher education that have made me fall head over heels with my profession.
1. Tuition Benefits
One of the most significant perks of working in higher education is the access to tuition benefits. Many institutions offer employees the chance to pursue advanced degrees or further their education at a significantly reduced cost, and at some schools, even for free. Throughout my career, I’ve used this benefit to take classes in a M.Ed. in Higher Education program and am currently earning a Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Design. As someone who thinks of myself as a lifetime learner, I really value this opportunity to enhance my skill set and make myself even more versatile and competitive in the job market. And while this isn’t relevant for me (yet!), I appreciate that at many colleges and universities, these benefits also extend to children and spouses of employees.
2. Summer Fridays
Picture this: the sun is shining, the weekend is just around the corner, and you’re wrapping up your work week early. Welcome to the world of Summer Fridays, a cherished tradition in many higher education institutions. While the institutions I’ve worked at each handle this a little differently (some institutions do a full day off on Friday, some do half days, some allow you to choose which day you take off), it’s a great benefit to have and allows employees to relax and recharge during the slower summer months. This commitment to work-life balance is a testament to the understanding that a well-rested and rejuvenated staff contributes to a healthier and more productive work environment.
3. Access to Gyms
I’ll admit that when I started working at a university, going to a college gym felt fairly intimidating. Who wants to be sweating on a treadmill next to a student they’ve just had a difficult conversation with? However, my current institution offers classes during the lunch hour and immediately after the work day ends, and I was finally enticed to take a lunch-hour yoga class and found that I loved it! It’s a great way to reset if you’re having a difficult day, and it prompted me to start taking advantage of the access to the gyms on campus. Whether it’s a quick workout before or after work or a stress-relieving session during a break, having a fitness facility at your fingertips is a great perk to have, and these gyms are often state-of-the-art and very well-maintained (one of my friends even works at a school where their pool has a lazy river and water slide!).
4. Tickets/Admission to Local Events
Many higher education institutions collaborate with local venues to provide their employees with access to a wide array of cultural experiences, a perk that I’ve definitely taken advantage of while living in Boston. With my staff ID, I’ve gotten free admission to several museums in the area, discounted tickets to movies, passes to hockey games, and attended Red Sox games for less than ten dollars. Colleagues of mine have been able to attend the ballet, basketball games, the opera, and theater productions around the city for free. This is a perk that I think many employees don’t take full advantage of, but I would really encourage you to: I’ve had many wonderful experiences attending events both on and off campus that I probably wouldn’t have been able to attend otherwise.
5. Special Rates and Discounts
I confess that this benefit may be my favorite one. Whenever I’m shopping, I always ask if there’s a discount for people who work in higher education, and guess what? There usually is! From popular clothing stores like J.Crew and Madewell to purchasing a new read at Barnes and Noble, my job in higher education gives me the ability to score some major discounts at some of my favorite stores. And the discounts aren’t just limited to retail therapy! Even daily essentials like cell phone plans, internet services, and car rentals can come at a substantial discount when you work in higher education.
Aside from a fulfilling job and a healthy work-life balance, a career in higher ed can provide you with so many unexpected benefits. Whether you’ve fallen out of love with your current higher ed position and are looking for something new or are still searching for an industry that makes you swoon, I’d encourage you to swipe right on higher education.
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