Lesley-Anne Scorgie: Investment In Education Means Higher Income Earning Ability
Continuing studies Mediaplanet spoke to best-selling author and personal finance consultant Lesley-Anne Scorgie, about the secret to her success.
Born in Toronto and raised in Calgary, Scorgie bought her first Canada Savings Bond at age ten and, by her mid-teens, was investing the majority of her earnings in mutual funds and stocks. This early interest in finance and a great deal of hard work has led to an impressive career.
To date, Scorgie is the bestselling-author of three books on financial literacy, writes a regular column for Metro News, is the Founder of MeVest, Founder and President of Get Rich By Inc., and has made a number of TV appearances on shows such as The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Marilyn Denis Show.
Despite her flourishing career and growing reputation, Scorgie saw the value in returning to school and continuing her education and, in 2012, earned an MBA from Queen’s University.
A tough job market for Canadians
For the Canadian job-seeker, it is a tough market out there. Although there have been signs of improvement, many young people are struggling to find any employment at all, while mid-career professionals are finding it increasingly difficult to progress to the next stage of their career.
"In today’s tough job market, continuing education can enhance and expand an individual’s skill set, boost career prospects and make them a more desirable employee."
How can individuals set themselves up for success in the current climate? In today’s tough job market, continuing education can enhance and expand an individual’s skill set, boost career prospects and make them a more desirable employee.
“Continuing education demonstrates commitment to both learning and professional development, which are attributes that many employers seek,” says Scorgie.
Your network is the key to building your career
It’s no secret that the healthier your professional network is the quicker your career can advance. “Your network is a system that speaks for you and can help shape your career,” says Scorgie. “When you have a network that is strong, coordinated and supportive, it’s incredibly powerful.”
Meeting contacts and forging relationships in an educational environment is a sure-fire way to build a strong network.
“The real purpose of having and contributing to a network is that you can rely on it when you need it,” says Scorgie. Continuing education is one way that individuals can equip themselves with a burgeoning professional network.
An investment in your future
Continuing education is an investment. While some individuals may have reservations about obtaining debt, data shows that those who invest in education in the short-term, earn more in the long-term.
“The statistics are very clear that those who invest in practical forms of education always have a much higher income earning ability than those who do not,” says Scorgie.
“Income earning ability is anywhere from one and a half to three times higher for those who invest in their education than for those who choose not to.”