Looking to go back to school to prepare for your career change?
Posted by Diana Needham on Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
Are you considering going back to school to prepare for a career change?
Tonight I attended an acoustical music event with friends here in Charleston. One works for a government agency and is concerned that, with the current agency financial situation (in the red), job eliminations are looming, likely earlier than later.
The question came up of whether she should return to college to finish her degree, so that it is easier to be considered for interviews. She is interested in doing something different, so is considering pursuing a different major than her past career experience (as a corporate trainer within HR).
Here are my thoughts on this, for those in mid-career or over 40.
First do some research around the kind of career you are considering. Is there a demand? If so, in what industries? Do those industries appeal to you?
If they do, who do you know that currently works in those industries? Connect with them and find out what it is like to work in that industry, what are the key challenges, and what education and experience is needed to be considered. Listen carefully to the responses, so you can make an informed decision.
Then look for educational programs that provide the classes and courses needed.
Before registering for any program, talk to at four to six recent graduates. Ask them “Was your degree helpful? What were you doing before? What are you doing now”? The admissions office at the college should help connect you with people in similar age and career status who can provide very beneficial insights.
You may find that a given program helps with securing promotions within the current career but not for career change, or vice versa. Do your research so you know whether the course of action you are considering will indeed get you to where you want to be.
Know that educational programs can offer great opportunities to network with other adult students. Live programs are more helpful than online programs, since you will be working on group projects and activities. Those classroom activities may well lead to access to people who normally would not agree to speak with you. The senior level marketing expert for the Columbus (OH) hockey team was in one of my college courses. He was able to connect those interested in how marketing works for a sports team with key people he knew, and those connections proved to be very valuable in the job search later.
Here is another example. When my son was completing his masters degree, one student in one of his classes lost her job. She shared her resume with some in the class and one of her class mates who had worked with her on a student project introduced her to a manager in his circle. She was hired for a current opening.
If you are currently employed, take advantage of any educational benefits provided by the company. There may be a cap on this benefit. Even a $1000 educational allowance will allow you to get into continuing education programs at community colleges. Again the exposure to professors and other adult students will provide great networking opportunities.
Focus on courses that build skills, especially skills you can use whether you work for a company or yourself. Examples include public speaking, writing, and computer courses. Your own skill set is your best career insurance in any economy.
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