Is Now the Right Time To Continue Your Education?

Special Section: Back to School 2009

Those who enter the workforce today face an increasingly stressful work environment – a heavier work loads, fear of layoffs and constant pressure to update their skills. Earlier generations experienced different realities in the workplace. But as a result of increasing global competition, changing technologies and economic shifts, the workplace has changed drastically in recent years.

One of the most challenging aspects of the new, flexible workplace is the constant pressure to update knowledge and skills in order to adapt rapidly to changing markets and technologies. This kind of workplace requires a continuous effort to learn. Employers value flexible workers who have the requisite skills and education to master these new challenges. And for now, this responsibility has fallen on the shoulders of the workers.

In the face of the current economic conditions, many professionals are re-evaluating their career choices. Many are considering graduate school or perhaps a different career field altogether. In fact, as many companies shed thousands of jobs, applications to graduate schools are on the rise. Many have realized how continuing their education may be beneficial to their current economic situation, as well as better prepare than for their ideal job once the job market makes a come back.

Keeping this new environment in mind, as well as the scope of the benefits available though either version of the G.I. Bill, planning to continue your education immediately after leaving active duty may be your best option to ensure you are competitive in the job market.

According to recent surveys, advanced education and degrees can earn an average of 35 percent to 50 percent more than those with more limited skills.

The main reasons why someone should advance their education include a better career, more knowledge, better job opportunities, increased personal fulfillment and to earn more money.

How You Would Use Continuing Education
Technology: continuing education can be used to learn new technologies, computer coding and software certification. Upon completion, you become certified in a technical area that advances your skills and career.
Medical Profession: continuing education can be used by medical technicians to learn new advances in medical technology that allow them to move upward in the medical profession career.

Education and other Licensed Professions: continuing education can be used to meet varying state and government requirements to teach and perform human services in your area.

Advanced Degrees: continuing education can be used to complete an advanced degree in a particular field.
Self-Learning: continuing education can be used to gain knowledge in a particular area of interest.

And now, rather than focusing on one field, many professionals are looking to expand their knowledge into several areas to improve their chances. Although opportunities remain in health care, energy, international business and consulting, many other fields have fewer and fewer opportunities available.

Plus, when job seekers do receive offers, they may come under more scrutiny before and after hiring. Years ago, in some fields, there were not enough qualified candidates to go around, but that is not often the case now. Now, it seems the more schooled and qualified candidates are getting the job offers, leading many to believe they need to hold a diploma from a top school in their field to have a chance.

For those who will be transitioning out of the military soon, the need to make a decision about going back to school is more immediate. Eight-to-10 hours a day spent pounding the pavement, scouring job boards and talking to headhunters might be better spent hitting the books, especially since many of these advanced courses are taught online or through a community campus. Even if you haven’t made a decision yet, and want to wait to see what your employment prospects are, it might be wise to spend as much time researching educational possibilities as you do employment so you are prepared when it comes time to choose. •