Back to school for a
career change
by Cathy Goodwin
Q. I hate my job as a
computer consultant. I am ready for a career change. The aptitude tests
say I should be a recreation specialist. I like the idea but I dread
returning to school for a new degree.
A. Before you invest
in a degree, try out the new career. A test drive will tell you
more than any pencil-and-paper test. Find two or three people who are
doing what you want to do and ask to spend a day or a week with
them.
If you like what you see,
visit a few schools or universities that offer degrees in your area of
interest. Ask for names of people who have graduated one, three and
five years ago.
Ask the alumni, "Did this degree help you get your job? Advance in your
job?
"Would you have done
better with a degree from another school? Or would you have done as
well with a degree from a lower-ranked school?"
Don't stop until you have
talked to six graduates -- maybe more.
Talk to students, not
faculty. Professors must support their own programs, even when they
want to say, "You can do better elsewhere," or, "This program is a
waste of your time and money."
And these days, anyone
with a title like "Admissions Director" or "Enrollment Management" may
be trying to make a sale, not offer objective guidance.
Investigate several options.
You may find an equally
satisfying career that offers on-the-job training. You may find an
educational program that takes less time or comes with a stipend.
No degree program offers a magic bullet.
Ultimately you may win the
job and career success by your power networking as well as you social,
interpersonal and technical skills.
There are many paths to career fulfillment, not just one.
I offer one-to-one consultations on career strategy.
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