ORCMS Career Blog

• Do you need to grow in your professional abilities?
• Is your industry changing? What do you need to know to allow YOU to move in that direction?
• Do you feel the need to brush up on some particular skills to stay in your industry or profession?
• What are the best practices for people who do the work you do?  Are you following them?
• What “tickets” will you need to have punched so you can take the next step in your career path?
• What don’t you know about business that could change the way you do your job?

There are many reasons to take a class, and many opportunities to do so.  You may want to learn and follow the latest movements in your industry or profession.  You may be interested in learning a new skill.  Perhaps you are wanting to re-tool for a career change.  Or, you may simply need to learn general business skills to supplement your technical skills so you can move up in the company.

Opportunities for continuing education abound in our current culture!  Here are some suggestions that will help you begin your search:

1. You local community college will have classes on many subjects from basic skills to adult education.  These are usually  in-expensive for people who live within community boundaries (your tax dollars at work). They may also have adult education classes you can take for non-credit.
2. Your local State University has probably opened its doors to adult learners.  In the late 1980s the last of the Baby Boomers were graduating from college.  In order to keep their doors open, most Universities developed programs targeting the aging workforce, providing continuing education for those with and without degrees.  Your local University may have just the right program for you!
3. Professional organizations generally offer classes related to a professional certification.  Sometimes you can take the class even if you have no intention of being certified in that area. Or, perhaps it’s time for you to take the test and become a “certified _____”.If so, these classes will help you immensely!
4. Proprietary schools such as University of Phoenix and Capella University have online programs.  Note that many of these programs require you to enroll for a specific degree program, but some of them may allow stand-alone course-work.
5. Several Ivy League and major Universities have courses online — FOR FREE!  Schools such as MIT offer lecture notes, exams, and videos from some of their more popular classes for free online.  Of course, getting credit for these classes will cost you dearly.  Check them out if you don’t need the credit but simply want to learn from some of the best schools in the world.
6. Professional Conferences and Workshops.  Your industry, company, and professional organization most likely have a professional training department.  Find out what classes they have to offer.
7. Join a group such as Toastmasters.  These groups provide specific training n a specific area (such as public speaking).  Many of them will send your employer a certificate after you have completed a basic course.  The certificate will look good on your wall, and your boss will be impressed with your initiation!

Taking a class is a great way to improve your career.  You will learn new things.  You will have fun.  You will meet new people.  You will impress your boss.  All of these are GREAT for advancing your career and your life.

This entry was posted on Monday, July 21st, 2008 at 10:01 am and is filed under 31 Tips for Improving Your Career, Career Change, Career Management Solutions, Continuing Education, Moving Up. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.