You’re an adult woman, self-sufficient, a true diva in every way except one… you don’t have a college degree!
Does it matter? Maybe,
maybe not. Bill Gates became the wealthiest man in the world without a college degree. Simon Cowell of American Idol fame dropped out of school when he was sixteen, and look where he
is today.
But to succeed in many areas of business
and life, having a degree--or at least career education--can make a difference to both your employment prospects and your self-esteem. You may have decided that to get ahead in your career you need additional training. But with the demands of job and family, how can anyone possibly take the time to go back to school?
Thousands have done it, and so can you! Career colleges have come a long way since the days of secretarial schools. Today’s career colleges such as Kaplan and Gibbs cater to working adults. They offer flexible class schedules on evenings and weekends, and even online distance-learning programs that you can complete at home. Fast-track curricula mean that you can earn your certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or even a master’s degree in less time than you think.
Career colleges carefully monitor employment trends, and offer programs that reflect growing industries. That’s why you’ll see lots of programs in medical assisting, dental assisting, computers, and other expanding areas. Career colleges know that their grads want better jobs and more rewarding lives.
So, how should you choose a career education program?
• Choose a program
you love. Sure, it’s wise to follow employment trends. But be true to yourself. If painting and drawing is
your passion, then perhaps you should consider a program in graphic arts or computer animation. Don’t sign up for training in phlebotomy just because you think that’s where the jobs are.
• Check out
real-world training opportunities. Good
career schools provide training with equipment and conditions found in the job environment. If you’re
considering a program in therapeutic massage, make sure that the school offers hands-on training under clinical conditions.
• Do they teach job
skills? People go to a career
school to learn new skills and increase their value in the job marketplace. A good career school can give you greater knowledge and experience that will help you qualify for a rewarding and higher-paying career. You’ll have more confidence and you’ll be better equipped to compete for the best jobs.
• Is it convenient? Chances are there’s a career school in your community. Check out the class schedules and course calendar. If you can’t fit school into your busy
schedule, consider an online program. The degree that you earn online is
generally the same degree that you earn in a traditional classroom program. The instructors are often the same, and today’s online programs offer opportunities for real-time interaction with instructors and fellow students. The “stigma” of an online degree is rapidly fading into history.
• Financial aid: Most accredited career schools offer federal financial aid for those who are qualified. To see if you qualify, you’ll be asked to complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application. They crunch the numbers and determine how much financial aid you are qualified for. Other sources of financial aid may include private loans, scholarships, and community grants. There are plenty of websites that offer information on funding opportunities.
Ready to improve your life with career education? Then check out a career college near you and get ready to hit the books.
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