It is somewhat surprising to even hear this question today, but yet it is still asked – A LOT! Should I go back to school or get some sort of certification while I am looking for a job.
When you have the time and money – get a certification, any kind, in anything (hopefully technology related if you are reading this post), get a degree, yes, even a few credits is better than none, but a degree, AA or otherwise will help.
Though we are a technology recruiting firm, we aren’t so bias to suggest you focus solely on a tech degree or cert, but we are huge advocates of furthering your education for the simple purpose of growing. Honestly, it makes sense to expand your horizons beyond your “core”. When you have the chance, learn a skillset outside the every day role that you currently have – take more of a business or marketing class, learn networking if you are a developer. The old adage of “jack of all trades” is one that we, as recruiters hear a lot when the economy takes a turn for the worse. If you can be a jack of ’some’ trades and a master of (at least) one….you surely have a leg up on the competition.
The education sector is one that always does well in an economy like this one. People, for the most part, know that they become more valuable to an employer when they pick up some new skill or knowledge. It is also of the utmost importance to stay active while you are conducting your search.
If you are currently employed and your employer offers some form of training or educational reimbursement program – take advantage of it NOW. It is highly likely that if that program is still in the budget, it will be one of the first to get cut when cuts happen – sign up now, while you can.
Not everyone has the luxury, time or money to invest in specialized training when they are looking for a job. If you can find something that does fit, make it happen -always!
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Authors
Allen Plunkett
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