What is a portable career, and which degrees support one?

By: The Capella University Editorial Team

Reading time: 2 minutes

A portable career is one you can work in almost anywhere. The U.S. State Department defines it as steady employment in your field of training, regardless of location. A “portable degree” isn’t an official term, but it’s shorthand for degrees that prepare you for those location-flexible careers. Nursing, education and IT are common examples, since they’re often in demand in nearly every community and don’t tie you to one employer or region.

If you’re weighing your education options around a move, a military deployment or a partner’s job that could relocate your family, here’s what to know.

What makes a career portable?

Two things: demand and transferability. A portable career exists in most places (not just major metro areas) and uses skills or credentials that carry over from one employer to the next without starting over. Nursing and teaching are the classic examples. Both are needed everywhere, though teaching licensing varies by state and often comes with extra steps to transfer.

Does a higher degree make a career more or less portable?

It can work against you. Practitioner-level roles are usually more mobile than non-practitioner-level roles, since front-line skills transfer directly. The more specialized or senior your degree, the more you may need a specific type of employer or a narrower job market, which can actually limit your options if you move often.

Which fields offer portable career paths?

• Nursing. BSN, RN-to-BSN or MSN degrees support role from bedside care to case management to nurse practitioner positions, so relocating doesn’t have to mean starting over in a new specialty.
• Information technology. Entry-level roles (like help desk and technical support) are a realistic starting point with just a BS in IT degree. An MS in IT can move you into more specialized or remote-friendly roles.
• Education. Licensing requirements vary by state, but reciprocity agreements may ease the transition. Master’s or doctoral-level education degrees can also open adjunct opportunities at community colleges or in online teaching.
• Social work and behavioral health. This is a growing field, particularly for roles connected to marriage and family therapy.
   

What financial support is available for military spouses pursuing a portable career?

Military spouses can apply for the SpouseWorks Scholarship, a Department of Defense program offering up to $4,000 in tuition assistance for licenses, certifications or associate degrees. It’s open to spouses of active-duty, National Guard and reserve service members in qualifying pay grades. Visit the SpouseWorks Scholarship webpage to learn more about their eligibility rules and exclusions.