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	Educational Choices: To Go or Not to Go?
By Ron Visconti

"All of life is a constant education." - Eleanor Roosevelt

“Learning how to learn” is one of the most basic skills workers need in the new job market according to the American Society of Training and Development. Consequently, large numbers of adults are returning back to school on a part-time or full time basis to improve their marketability.

The Bay Area is no exception to the national trend. Education Statistics Quarterly reports that about one-third of the civilian population 16 or over (68.5 million people) take courses or training that is not part of traditional degree programs.

Do you need to go back to school on a part-time or full-time basis? What issues will help you decide? Will more education make you more marketable? Do you need a degree or just a certificate, simply enhanced skill development at work? Can you balance your work life, home life, and manage to go back to school?

Workers go back to school for a variety of reasons:

greater job satisfaction
to upgrade their skills
to keep up with changing technology
for career advancement
to change careers

The Bay Area has a wide range of educational opportunities available to the working adult populations. The programs vary greatly in price, length, type of instruction, and supportive services offered.

Free or low-cost vocational training courses are available at local community colleges, adult schools, and Regional Occupational Programs. Community Colleges offer certificate programs that will allow you to acquire new vocational skills.

State University Extension and University Extensions programs also offer certificates in a wide variety of fields, such as: environmental engineering, biotechnology, paralegal studies, computer science, human services, and alcohol and drug rehabilitation services. Some programs are designed to accommodate working adults. Many courses are delivered on weekends and evenings. Educational institutions offer career pathways for every imaginable type of student.

Here are some basic questions you should ask as part of your educational decision and choice.

What are the pro’s and con’s of taking this program?
Can I afford this program on a short-term or long-term basis?
Will this education add to my current skill path?
How long will take for me to reasonably finish this program?
How are the courses taught?
Do you have access to the instructors?
Does the educational program have a link to various local employers or local job market?

Getting more education does not always entail mean going back for a degree or even a certificate. Sometimes, you can acquire a skill through a specific course or area of learning. Marky Stein, author of Fearless Career Change, uses the term “strategic education.” In strategic education, you enroll in one or more courses, and instead of completing the certificate or degree, you take relevant courses.

Other strategies to consider:

- Repacking your skills (tailored resume)

- Taking on new assignments to expand your skills

- Networking for advancement

- Conducting informational interviews

- In-house training

- Joining a professional association

- Developing management and presentation skills (i.e. joining Toastmasters)

- Joining a Board of Directors

- Doing an internship (paid or non-paid)

Before you take the educational plunge-- really think about your motivation and consider if further education will help you advance your career, and think about all your options. Sometimes you go to school with one goal and come out with new perspectives and goals.

Ron Visconti is a career and recruitment specialist who has worked with and assisted numerous career changers through the career change process.