Should You Go Back to School? Tips For Changing Your Career Path

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With so many people out of work, many are faced with the option of continuing to look for a job in their same industry, but with a competitor, or, starting over completely. In fact, continuing education and learning new skills have become very popular ways for people who have lost their job to find a new career path in a completely new industry.

If you are thinking about changing your career path, here are some tips that can help you on your way:
 
  • Update your degree- If it has been more than 10 years since you received your degree, you may want to consider taking a certificate program that is industry related or even enrolling in graduate school. The nice thing about Master's Degree programs is that you can start the graduate program in many fields of study, not just the one you received your Bachelor's for.

 

  • Career Certificate Course- Even if you aren't planning to change your career path, you can give yourself a bit more training by finding career certificate programs in your field. Sometimes, taking a six-month certificate course can send your career in a different direction. For example, if you are working as a business manager, and you took a course in Human Resources or Web Design, you could open up a world of new possibilities.

 

  • Start over with a Vocational Degree- If you don't have a Bachelor's degree and find yourself out of work, finding a new job in your industry can be even more difficult. For some, the best option is to get a vocational degree. For example, if you have been working in the construction field for years, and haven't been able to find adequate work since the housing market has gotten worse, then perhaps electrical training or other vocational degrees would be able to complement your work experience to make you a very desirable applicant.

 

  • Look into apprenticeships- For many young people in the job force, college or technical school might not be a viable option. There are companies who offer paid apprenticeships. This sort of on-the-job training typically pays less than average, but once you complete the program, you will be qualified for higher paying jobs, usually with the same company.
     
Adding education and training can be the best way to make yourself more hire-able and open up more options for your career. Think about your specific skills and what type of additional education would work best for you. It is never too late to start over in a new and different career.

Are you looking for a job in Logistics? Be sure to visit LogisticsJobSite.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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