Education is a way to accelerate your career - a strategy that may offer you a competitive edge during gloomy economic times. Who may want to consider continuing their education as a job search strategy?

◦ Disaffected college graduates, e.g., Liberal Arts majors who are still searching, and those unhappy with their vocational majors...
◦ Experienced professionals whose jobs have become obsolete or have been off-shored...
◦ Boomers looking for their "Second- or Third-Act,” e.g. those who are seeking a transition to another career, likely to be one that will offer more personal and/or societal meaning than their previous career...

If you identify with one of these groups, you should know that there is a bevy of educational administrators who want YOU to enroll in their classes. Programs are offered by vocational schools, community colleges, and 4-year institutions. Why are these choices different from and perhaps better than traditional approaches to education?

1. Admission is likely be based on "open enrollment," meaning that few programs will require transcripts or aptitude tests. Desire to learn and participate is the only requirement.

2. Courses are more likely to be taught by those who actually work in the field; students are also likely to be working in related fields. These people can become part of your professional network.

3. Student work is evaluated based on participation and results - without grades, papers, or tests. The idea is to learn and apply your knowledge to the workplace.

4. Continuing studies programs are usually offered at a fraction of the cost of credit classes - fees are determined by actual costs and reasonable profit margins, not per "credit."

Another HUGE reason that Continuing Education is an effective tool to beat recession…

5. Continuing education provides "cover" for periods of unemployment, and is always indicative of your willingness to learn new concepts and adapt to new technology.

These programs grease the wheels of career transition, permitting candidates to move into "demand occupations," e.g. project management. Your local community college or career consultant should be able to offer guidance on selecting appropriate options that may accelerate your career during recessionary times. Contact this writer for a list of FREE strategic career solutions that are proven to beat recession.

2008. Reprint with permission from Karen@CareerAcceleration.net