The American economy has been in the doldrums for over two years now. With the unemployment rate hovering at about 10% (and much higher for certain segments of the population), laid off workers are realizing that they need to take action in order to combat the possibility of corporate downsizing or outsourcing of their jobs. Many people are finding that the best tool for job protection is education.
Working adults going back to school to improve their employment opportunities is becoming more and more common. According to the Department of Education, more than 38% of college students fall into the “nontraditional” category of being over the age of 25, and returning to school after a significant break in their educational path. More than likely that is because of the widespread knowledge that higher levels of education not only protect against unemployment, but also create a more lucrative earning history throughout a person’s career.
There are many educational routes a person can follow to improve their employment and earning potential, depending on where they are starting from and what their long-term goals are. The best way to find the program that is right for you is to start by defining your goals. Think about what you are trying to accomplish and how you may want to do it. Although it may sound simplistic, making a list and writing it down can be very helpful, and it may help you answer a few basic questions that will assist you in finding out the best way to get back to school.
Probably the first question you should ask yourself is: “What do I want to accomplish?” The answer may be as simple as continuing education to improve skills, or it may be a life-changing paradigm shift, like choosing a new career path altogether. Whatever the answer is, it is very important to define it clearly in order to choose the right educational process. Continuing educational programs may be good for people who are already in established careers and who want to improve a particular skill set, or to acquire knowledge about a trend in their particular field.
However, if the answer falls into the life-changing category, you will have to take a whole new look at a number of other factors. If you have decided that you are going to return to school in order to follow a new career path, you need to do some research about that particular field. For example, what is the typical length of education for that job? Will you have to dedicate one, two, or four years to accomplish the degree that you desire? After graduation, is additional on-the-job training required? What are the job prospects and projected growth in that field over the course of the next several years?
Once you have decided what type of degree you want to seek, you should think about what type of school would best fit your lifestyle. For example, if you are fortunate enough to hold a full-time job, a traditional college experience may not be the answer for you. You may want to think about a distance-learning program, like an online school, in order to schedule your study and exam periods around your work schedule. Online educational programs are also good for people who have other obligations, like family or community responsibilities.
Finally, once you have decided on the degree program and the type of school you will attend, you need to figure out how you will finance your education. Many people do not have the resources to pay for college expenses out of pocket. College is not a cheap endeavor, but the results are well worth the initial expense. In order to reach your educational goals, you may need to find additional sources of funding. There are numerous student loans and grants available to students who are returning to school. Many of these are government funded, with the loans having lower interest rates than some loans from private institutions. Check with the financial aid office of your school to get more information on how to apply for loans and scholarships.