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It’s officially Back to School season! As students begin to hit the books again, many professionals begin to ask whether they should be doing the same. Did you know that the question: “Should I go back to school to advance my career?” garners 24,800,000 Google results? Some individuals find themselves needing to go back to school after being laid-off (like our client Devon), others decide to go back to school to make a career change. As a career changer myself, I decided school was the best option for me to enhance my skills and get me to my desired industry! Regardless of how one arrives at this decision, everyone can agree that it’s a turning point that requires serious consideration.

When I was in the midst of the decision making process, I focused on researching and answering the three questions below. Keep in mind that everyone has a unique career path and going back to school isn’t always the best choice. However, if you, or someone you know, is looking to build their skills, encourage them to answer these three questions:

1. What would be the best course of education for me? Every profession has a knowledge base that is crucial to career success. Make sure to conduct research into what level of education is most beneficial for you. For example, in some professions a certification from an accredited school is absolutely crucial, and a Master’s Degree is not or it may be the other way around – it really all depends on what you hope to achieve.

2. Would pursuing education enhance my career? In some career paths, additional education will not assist in your career journey, whereas in others it can make the difference between titles and monetary compensation. For my personal career goal, I researched the job titles I was most interested in and read through the qualifications needed. Later on, I interviewed working professionals with the job titles I was aiming for to discuss what education was most useful to them. This will give you a broader range of what could work best for you!

3. Will the benefits outweigh the costs? Before diving headfirst into school, take a look at the cost. Some certifications are completely financially feasible, whereas some might be a bit hefty and lead to debt. Try to research scholarships and other financial aid options. If you are dislocated worker, there are workforce services programs that may be able to assist you with tuition costs.

After several weeks of research and interviews, I chose to return to school and study for a Masters in Library and Information Studies with a concentration in Data Analytics. I’m excited to be in school and learn additional skills that will help me succeed throughout my career!

If you’re a job seeker, or just looking to make a career change, National Able Network can help! Call 855-994-8300 or click here to learn more!