The answer to that question depends on several issues. Prior to making your decision you need to ask yourself several questions:
- What is my industries/career choice future?
- Do I want to re-invent myself?
- What are my long term career goals?
- What is my financial situation?
When you have your answers you can then look towards the next step. With the present economic situation, getting a degree or taking additional course work is an excellent way to improve your worth to your employer or prospective employer.
Like many people, you may be either not working or are working part time - going back to school could be a beneficial move. If you are in this position, do not take on more of a financial burden than you can handle. If you do not have a degree, it will help your career to complete a degree or obtain another degree, such as a master’s degree.
If you need additional training, check with a professional association that is tied in with the career interest that you have. There are many professional associations that can provide a good overview of what a career in their industry is like and what education is important. They also offer many other benefits to their members, such as being able to attend a local workshop or seminar at a reduced cost. One additional benefit to attending a local workshop is that it is an excellent way to network.
Consider taking a class or course work at a local community college. These colleges can offer hands-on training that you may not be able to get otherwise. In addition the cost of a class at a community college is usually a great deal less expensive than taking a class at a four year college or university. Many colleges and universities are also offering course work that allows you to take a professional certification. In the IT field, this is a great way to obtain education such as a Microsoft certification.
Another option is to take a class through the internet. Many colleges offer course work online. If you are busy or are not close to the college that is offering the program or class work that you are interested in, the web offers a great opportunity. Taking course work in this manner can almost be considered the modern day correspondence system. One of our countries great business leaders (Walter Chrysler) obtained his education by mail.
Whatever your motivation, you need to carefully consider your financial situation before making your decision. If you decide to pursue a degree, check with the school’s financial aid office, professional association or professional organization – any of which may offer scholarships or grants that are based on merit or financial need. A friend of mine decided that he wanted to earn an additional degree to take his career to the next level. He heard that a local professional organization, of which he was a member, offered a scholarship to a student that was studying within their industry. He applied and received a substantial sum of money to assist with his tuition. There are also some organizations that offer a scholarship to take a special program that they offer. The applications are usually lengthy and require come work on your end, but the rewards could well be worth the effort.
If you are presently employed, do not overlook the possibility that your employer may offer tuition reimbursement for class work or to pursue a degree. With the present economic conditions, an employer may have had to cut back on some of this funding. Either way, a little financial assistance is better than nothing.
Whatever your decision, getting additional training, course work, or a degree, can certainly be the extra boost to move your career to the next level.
Like my parents always told me, “you can lose everything, but no one can take away your education.” Sound advice!
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