According to a 2018 LinkedIn survey of 2,000 executives, the “soft” skill most important to employers is leadership.1 That’s not exactly earth-shattering news, but the kind of leadership they look for has many people thinking twice about their qualifications.
The truth is, in our fast-changing, global world, having a charismatic personality or good organizational skills is no longer enough. Companies need people who can lead teams, make sound ethical decisions and effectively leverage a melting pot of values and cultures in the workplace. A Bachelor of Applied Science degree with a concentration in Leadership Studies (BAS-L) will give you the knowledge and credentials to step up to the next level of authority in your field.
Many schools have BAS in leadership programs, but there are a few things you should verify before signing up. Here’s what to look for and how Averett University compares:
Class size: Bigger isn’t always better. Averett’s small classes mean your group work and discussions will be more productive and rewarding.
Online access: Going to class in person can be tough when you’ve got a job, a family and other responsibilities. Averett University’s Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) online degree programs allow you to log in to classes when it works for you.
Accreditation: Educational institutions aren’t required to obtain independent accreditation, so do your homework. Averett is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Useful minors: A minor enhances your degree and makes you more valuable to potential employers. While pursuing a BAS-L at Averett, you can minor in Criminal Justice, Cyber Security, Homeland Security or Sociology.
Partnerships with other schools: Schools should make it easy for you to keep pursuing new levels of learning. Averett University, for example, automatically accepts graduates of the Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC) Associate of Applied Science program into its BAS-L online program. This allows students to take the final few steps to their baccalaureate degree.
What it takes to be a leader in business has changed. Are you ready to step up?
Learn more about our BAS-L program
Schedule an appointment to get started toward a new you today!
[1] Beheshti, Naz, “Are Hard Skills Or Soft Skills More Important To Be An Effective Leader?” Forbes, September 24, 2018