These issues are as common as which came first “the chicken or the egg”. When this discussion involves certain professions a third component is included; certifications.

As usual one of the intentions of this article is to invite dialogue, not solutions “According to Kathy”. Any feedback or comments to these ideas is welcomed.

What education, credentials or experience do people need to maintain employment?

The answer to this question is eventually all three components; degree (Associates or Bachelors, experience and applicable certifications). Can you get all three at once? Of course not, that’s why I stated eventually. How you progress depends on what you already possess.

Let’s start with education:
• What kind of degree
• Full time or part time student status
• Online or “brick & mortar” institution

A company’s or department manager’s requirement on the type of degree varies tremendously. Some have latitude, while others have what I refer to as the “11th Commandment”; Thou shall have a Bachelor’s degree. Another consideration is the specific technical versus the business degree.

Your focus and desired areas in the field will determine your selection. How a department fits into the business functions of an organization can influence which way to go. As a technical recruiter in the “90’s, I found that most of my clients preferred a technical Associates degree paired with experience and a recent Bachelor degree in business was the desired candidate. This combination represented the ultimate employee. Since this era however comes the certification concept in certain fields (healthcare, social services, financial services, etc.)

Avoid extreme specialization, it may limit you. Talk to people in your field, especially department directors to come to a broader conclusion. Their educational, work and life history plus preferences need to be considered in forming any conclusions. Don’t forget to ask within your own organization or associations you belong to for guidance. This will also assist you in visibility and make connections for career progression. One major consideration is how to achieve a balance of technical, business, interpersonal and leadership courses.

“Do I have time for all of this?”
The simple answer to this question is that you have to make time. If you are employed full time in the field, part time student status and some online courses are probably the best solutions. Obtaining your degree will also eliminate one reason for a lay off. Let’s face it, the degree may be one of the criteria when selecting which staff members are released.

“Hindsight is 20/20”
For any people who are still full time students getting ready to start your career or with family members at this stage: Stay in school; get that degree! What you also need to do is obtain part time employment/paid internships in the field at the level of your skills and abilities. This will help you discover or refine your interests as far as technical focus, department structure and corporate cultures.

Many employers are now creating fantastic paid internship programs for students at the Bachelors and Associate degree levels. They are often classified as junior associates. These employers look at employment track record while they are attending high school and college in their decision process. These junior associates are also the obvious recruitment sources for new hires.

For those of you already employed find an educational institution that not only fits your needs but meets your employer’s criteria for tuition reimbursement or assistance. Regardless of your stage in life, research the availability of scholarships or grants to defray your expenses. Workers over the age of 40 who have lost their jobs are eligible for state or federal funding for training purposes.

“Does it matter which school I get the degree from?”
The elite colleges/universities do not always have the edge over the lesser known institutions. Make sure that the college is accredited by a recognizable governing body. In other words, the school of hard knocks or mail order degrees are not acceptable.

Many times it is that institution’s reputation with the company or the hiring manager (especially their alma mater). If you are fortunate enough to work for an educational institution (in any capacity) you are probably eligible for free tuition through that school.

Don’t forget military training or experience. You will be able to take proficiency tests to reduce required classes. Some schools allow “life experiences” to substitute for certain courses.

One of the biggest factors in education institution selections is career services. How they assist students and the composition of the staff is critical in life after your degree. Be an aggressive customer while you’re still a student. Many graduates find out too late that they’re no longer eligible for services and have been moved over to alumni status.

“What about totally online programs?”
I will openly admit bias on this subject but will include both pros and cons of online and brick and mortar classroom environments. Make sure that your learning style is compatible with online. You may not know until you actually take a course or two.

Online
Pros:
• Convenient and not always time sensitive.
• Can be more economical (not cheap) than a traditional classroom setting.
• More accessible for those in more remote or rural areas.
• Learner can pace themselves.
• Beneficial for those who are self - motivated, self – directed and possess good time management skills.
• An appropriate option if you relocate or travel frequently as part of your job

Cons:
• If you are not self–directed, self–motivated or lack time management skills, online could be a recipe for disaster!
• Certain courses are just better in a face to face environment. Those subjects that involve oral presentations or discussions just can not be accomplished on the keyboard.
• Students have no direct contact with their instructor or classmates, therefore a certain aspect of college life is lacking.
• No opportunities for extracurricular activities that employers look for in hiring quality candidates.
• Networking opportunities for new graduates without professional experience is not available.

In a perfect world an institution that provides a blend in their curriculum would be the best. The student would benefit from certain classes online yet achieve many of the objectives that create a well rounded professional.

As you obtain your degree keep in mind applicable or desired certifications. Professional associations that you belong to will be very helpful in this area. Remember to take full advantage of membership in these organizations. Think in terms of home construction; the degree is your basement (foundation), work experience builds the rest of the house and certifications are the “extras”. A sturdy house needs a solid foundation. Landscaping, jacuzzis and skylights can be added once you’ve lived in the house for awhile. Cost and time needed to add this “extras” must be considered.

Speaking of costs; have a good understanding with your employer as to what and how much of your educational costs are covered. For anyone working for a company that does not invest in your professional development, start looking for another employer.

Final thoughts
Maintain the confidence and drive to push yourself to your goals. Life is full of choices; do not sidetrack yourself or let others interfere with obtaining those goals. Never, ever use age (or someone else use it) as an excuse for not finishing a degree or gain certification. In fact the older you are the more likely you may be on the evening news or written about in the local paper. It’s the 80-year old graduates who get the attention; not the 40-50 year olds.

With all of this said, there are always exceptions to the rule, especially in the world of business. Aptitude and natural talent still play a major role. Two notable examples are Dave Thomas (Wendy’s) and Anne Beiler (Aunt Anne’s Pretzels).These two successful entrepreneurs achieved their GEDs at or after the age of 50. Corporate America often loses the best people to their competition or these people become their competition. Intuitive behavior can not be taught in a classroom, but it can be refined.

Having the degree is one more way of getting your foot in the door. Make sure that you’re comfortable with why you want that degree or certification(s). You have to do it for the right reasons in order to achieve that goal.