The Benefits of Continuing Education to Stay Job Competitive

President Obama made this statement when discussing the importance of improving the jobs skills of Americans. The global economy has eliminated job security and has increase job competitiveness resulting in the need for continuous professional training, networking and education. Americans must commit to lifelong learning for continued career advancement and greater job security in this ever-growing global market. [1] [2] [5]

Educational Choices

Many professionals consider an advanced degree when they decide to continue their education. However, in some industries advanced degrees do not provide the financial benefits needed to justify the cost and time involved in obtaining them. An alternative solution is to take continuing educations courses such as college certifications in professional and technical areas. College no longer has to be time consuming many colleges now offer min-MBA programs, Six-sigma certification and other business, financial or technical related courses for certifications. [3 pages 14-21] [2][6]

Networking Opportunities

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) describes networking as "the process of using and discovering connections between people". Unfortunately, one of the most difficult aspects of networking is making that human connection. When professionals take industry related educational courses during their career, they also develop alumni networks that create opportunities for networking and career advancement. Networking through education also offers professionals an alternative view of their industry, their competitors and complementing business markets. [4 see page 1]

Creates A Business Opportunity Cost

Continuing professional education also provides a tangible value to your employer. By making yourself valuable to the success of the business the costs associate with losing you increase. In order to increase one's value it is essential to take courses that will enhance your usefulness and demand within your chosen field. [3 pages 2,4,12,13][6][7]

Easier Career Changes

Continuing education helps those seeking a new career field. For example, many states allow degreed professionals to apply for teaching certifications once they complete the required educational certification courses.

Professionals will find that many career fields overlap in skills, degree and technologies. It is important to remember that when seeking a new career change make sure to take a complete inventory of your existing college credits to see what career avenues open for you based upon your skills set and experience.

Speak with a college career counselor about the options and opportunities available to returning college students to change career based upon their current educational experience. A career counselor can outline a program that will meet your career goals. [5][6][7]

References:

[1]

White House Office of the Press Secretary: President Obama to Announce Launch of Skills for America's Future, October 4, 2010

[2]

Washington Post: Md. seeks better coordination of 'middle-skill' jobs training

[3]

North Carolina State University: Opportunity Cost: A Concept To Understand In Order To Make Informed Choices

[4]

MIT Global Education and Career Development Center: Networking

[5]

CBS Business Network: Why We Lost the War for Talent: Nine Things Recruiting Executives Can Do Today to Prepare for Tomorrow

[6]

Bloomberg Business: The Mini MBA's Big Appeal

[7]

Rutgers University School of Business: Intro to Process Improvement: Lean/Six Sigma Short Certificate

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