Is Continuing Education the Future of the American Workforce?

In days past, you graduated from school, got a job, showed up everyday, completed your assignments and showed loyalty for your company. In return you would receive job security and a paycheck you could raise your family on. Newspapers are filled with people who have followed this plan. Upon nearing retirement they are experiencing layoffs and loss of their pensions. They are now forced to face their twilight years with fear, confusion and depression.

Does your heart race every time you read an article about another company "downsizing"? Do you yearn for the days of job security? You can still experience the contentment that comes with job security. Rather than looking for this security and contentment in your current employer it is found in yourself. Our level of security is directly linked to our knowledge and skills. By continuing your education and expanding your skills you will experience great security, confidence and contentment.

You now have more avenues for personal and professional development than any generation before you. Below I have outlined a few of these avenues. Future postings and articles will add to and expand on each of these categories. Providing resources, links and tutorials that will allow you to take full advantage of continuing education and the security it can provide to you, and your family.

Certifications: Certifications started several years ago in the Information Technology industry. Certifications allow you to demonstrate particular knowledge in a given area (i.e. Accounting, Homeland Security, Computers, Graphic Design). Almost every industry has a certification program.

College Degree: Days of graduating high school and landing a job that you can raise a family on are gone. A college degree has become the "key" that opens the door to higher paying jobs. Today, we have more options for obtaining a degree than any generation before us. No longer do you have to have a certain background or monetary status to attend college.

Journals & Industry Groups: Growth of the Internet has brought a multitude of journals and industry related groups. From these resources you can network with other people in your field and gain information you might not otherwise be exposed to.

Present Employer: Many employers are now offering continuing education as an employee benefit. Education has become a very effective retention tool. Future posts about this avenue will provide ideas on utilizing workplace training and approaching your employer about additional training opportunities.

Our economy, society and world will continue to change. We have not seen the end of this. Nor do I think the end will come in this century. These changes have brought greater power to the worker. We each are the President and CEO of our careers. Continuing education opportunities allows you to expand your knowledge, skills and value in the marketplace. I look forward to assisting you on your quest for knowledge. Bookmark this site now so you can take full advantage of the resources and information that will be provided.