If you thought making six figures was a privilege reserved exclusively for those with years of experience or master's degrees, think again.
While having a postgraduate degree can be highly beneficial for career advancement and bumping up one's salary, it does not always, or automatically, translate to significant financial returns. You might find yourself frustrated, even after completing a master's degree, because you feel like you've wasted money and debt, and are not receiving your return on investment.
With a bachelor's degree, there can be less risk involved as it is not as highly specialized, is less expensive, and can offer you a broader range of options and career flexibility, including admission into roles without being viewed as too niche or overqualified.
Whether or not you decide to pursue a master's degree remains your individual prerogative and is down to your specific career goals, as there are some jobs that are simply inaccessible with out having one.
However, if you are seeking to cut your debt and spending this year while progressing up the ladder, here are three remote jobs you should consider that are easily accessible to bachelor's degree graduates. These remote jobs pay exceptionally well, commanding lucrative figures of as much as $100,000, or more as you progress.
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1. Remote Technical Writer
Do you consider yourself to be a strong communicator? Do people regularly comment on how you have a knack for breaking down complex information into layman's terms? Perhaps a career as a technical writer would be one you would enjoy and thrive in.
A technical writer is a professional with strong communication skills, who is able to translate technical concepts easily.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a projected 7% growth in demand for technical writers over the next few years. This role is useful for writing product manuals and set-up guides, how-to's, and assembly instructions. You might find yourself collaborating with developers and manufacturers, and you'll often use a range of graphics, videos, and illustrations to break down product concepts for its end users.
What Bachelor's Degree Do I Need?
To be a technical writer, a bachelor's degree in English or similar communications field, and/or a STEM subject (depending on some employers) is usually necessary.
Average salary range: $51,735 to $151,762
Average salary: $101,749
2. Remote Management Consultant (Associate)
It's no secret that management consulting is seriously lucrative business. One of the most amazing aspects of this industry is that even at the entry-level, as an associate in a management consultancy firm, you can expect to make as much as $150,000 in some cases. With your bachelor's degree, you can work in the larger consulting firms such as those that occupy the prestigious title of "Big 3."
For example, this job posting by McKinsey and Company invites applicants from both bachelor's degree and master's degree backgrounds to apply, granted they meet the other requirements for the role. However, it should be noted that it does state that applicants with an advanced degree are strongly preferred. Likewise, other job postings on LinkedIn for management consultant roles mention bachelor's degree as a core requirement. Occasionally, they will say that a master's degree is a plus.
What Bachelor's Degree Do I Need?
Common bachelor's degrees for management consultants include business administration and management, economics, finance, accounting, and even computer science.
Average salary range: $114,150 to $146,201
Average salary: $130,145
3. Remote Quantitative Analyst
According to data from the BLS, employment for financial and quantitative analysts is expected to rise by 8% from now up to 2032, which is faster than the average for job growth rates in the U.S. The BLS also notes that while "most entry-level positions for financial analysts require a bachelor’s degree," there are some employers who prefer to hire candidates with a master’s degree.
"A quantitative analyst is a professional who uses quantitative methods to help companies make business and financial decisions," Investopedia puts it. "Investment banks, asset managers, hedge funds, private equity firms, and insurance companies all employ quantitative analysts, or 'quants,' to help them identify profitable investment opportunities and manage risk."
What Bachelor's Degree Do I Need?
To work as a quantitative analyst, you would need a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or other related highly quantitative field.
Average salary range: $97,296 to $124,012
Average salary: $110,078
With strong job projections and eye-watering salaries at the entry-level, including lucrative career paths as you progress up the ladder, finding your first remote job armed with just a bachelor's degree is easily within reach. However, never underestimate the importance of job-ready skills and relevant experience, which you can gain through working at non-profits, freelancing, or doing pro bono work in the meantime. Ensure you fully showcase your practical expertise and domain knowledge, and maximize every opportunity so you can sell yourself effectively.
