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Should I keep pursuing higher education after getting my associate's degree, even if I can already get a good career with this?

I'm in my second year of trade school and already have certificates in wind turbine technology and industrial maintenance. I'm about to get certified in robotics as well so I'll have my associate's degree in energy technology. That means I can get a career in wind turbines, boilers, power generation, electrical, robotics, automation, or any other sort of related field. Many careers in these trades already start around $60k+ and can easily get you 6 figures with enough overtime. Is it worth going for a bachelor's or even a master's? The education would help but it doesn't do much without actual experience, and I just want to get out to the field and make some real money.

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Armando de Jesús’s Answer

You’re in a great position with your certifications and associate’s degree, and it’s true that many careers in energy technology, robotics, and automation offer strong starting salaries and growth potential without a bachelor’s degree. If your immediate goal is to start earning and gaining hands-on experience, entering the workforce now makes sense. In technical fields, experience often matters more than formal education early on. However, higher education can become valuable later, especially if you want to move into leadership, project engineering, or roles that influence technology development.

I can share from my own journey: I started as a technician and worked while pursuing my bachelor’s degree. After 12 years as an engineer, I’m now working on my master’s. For me, the decision wasn’t just about earning more, but it was about expanding my impact. My goal is not only to install items designed by others but to contribute to the development of new technologies. Education gave me the tools to move from execution to innovation.

So, think about where you want to be in 10 or 15 years. If you see yourself leading projects, designing systems, or shaping technology, a degree will help you get there. The good news is you don’t have to choose right now, you can start working, gain experience, and later you can pursue a degree part-time or with employer tuition assistance. Education is a tool you can pick up when it aligns with your goals, not a race you have to finish immediately.
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Ramona’s Answer

You've already gotten a great answer, but I want to encourage you to follow your own path with education. You can work for a year or two and then continue your studies. Try checking out job listings for positions you'd like in the next five years. This can help you decide when to go back to school. Remember, there's no single right way to do this. Your work experience will make you shine among other applicants. Best wishes!
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