Enroll in a Continuing Education Course to Give Your Career That Extra Edge
When you sense a lag in your career, it may be because you aren’t keeping up with your education as well as you could be. In a competitive business climate, you need to be up-to-date with the latest in business, and in your specific niche, to maintain your edge and compete against other employees who have been keeping up with their education. Consider several major types of continuing education that you can use to bolster your career.
Seminars and Workshops
The fastest way to add some continuing education to your resume is to attend a seminar or workshop. These usually take place over a weekend, or sometimes just a single day, and are narrowly focused on a topic of interest. Therefore, it’s very important to pick a seminar or workshop that is relevant to your position or the type of position you are looking to get in the future. Your current employer may be able to recommend seminars and workshops you may want to attend, or you can look at industry newsletters or websites for recommendations.
Single Classes
When you have a particular skill that’s lacking, you’ll probably need more than a seminar or workshop to improve it. Also, some employers require a certain number of continuing education credits, in which case you’ll probably need a whole class to fulfill the requirement. You can choose courses offered by community colleges, universities, or trade organizations. You’ll have to not only set aside the time to attend the courses, but also to complete any homework between each class meeting. However, you’ll get a lot out of all the time you put into the class, making it a valuable career investment.
Degree Programs
The last option is to enroll in a degree program, which can give your career a huge boost when you earn the degree. Most career-minded individuals who already hold a job opt to enroll in a part-time program so they can continue working while they take classes. In addition, many employers offer tuition reimbursement, which is an added incentive to keep working while progressing toward a higher degree. Opting for an online program allows you the flexibility to complete coursework at a time that’s convenient for you.
However, if you don’t have a job currently and feel like it’s because of your lack of education, it may make more sense to enroll full-time. As you’re in school, you can get financial aid to help cover your costs. You can complete the degree as quickly as possible, and hopefully when you graduate you’ll be able to get the job you have had your eyes on. Always research what educational background you need for a job so you enroll in the right degree program for the type of job you want.
Regardless of the type of education you choose, continuing to learn will almost always give your career a boost. Employers like to see motivated individuals who know the latest methods for succeeding in their field. Plus, you almost always learn something interesting when you take courses or attend seminars.