Continuing Education

What comes to mind when you think of your career and continuing education?  For most, it’s school.  Usually, post-secondary learning activities, programs, or conferences.  Typically, it includes degree credit courses, non-degree career training workforce training, and personal enrichment courses.

Usually, continuing education is for people outside of the traditional university age. Continuing education courses are attained through school of continuing education of a college or university known sometimes as the university extension or extension school. It can be through attending school after work, often thought of as night classes, or through an online program.

So who takes these continuing education courses?  That really depends on the person and their career of choice. Medical fields are often taking courses to stay caught up on the latest practices.  Educators take continuing education courses to also stay caught up, in addition to keeping their certification current.  These are just a few of the careers that require a professional to continue to get educated.

Some people may be in a job where there are little chances for promotion.  If that is the case, you may decide to make a career transition to pursue your dream job.  To do that, you must gain more education.  The education you gain will lead to better opportunities in your career. For management positions, one must complete specialized training to qualify.  If you attain a master’s degree, your wage often increases and the potential for moving up, either at the company you are currently at, or with a new employer.  Research carefully and ask those with experience in your field to see if it really is worth it.  If not, look for other ways to improve your career potential.

Continuing education can include earning a professional certificate.  Depending on your field, a professional certificate may be the more common route for continuing education.  Either way, the additional education and training will improve your marketability. In some careers, having a master’s degree is the bare minimum requirement for employment.  If that’s the case, you want to have additional training to stand out from the crowd.  Seeking and attaining specialized coursework in your field will help you.  You need to make it clear to your employer how your education and skills are an advantage to the company.

Continuing education, whether a master’s degree, professional certificate, or additional training, will help you with your marketability, career advancements, and earnings.  It can be attained after work, in a local college, or online, in the convenience of your own home.  Additional education offers you opportunities for advancement, a goal of most employees.