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Ongoing Career Training -
The content of our Continuing Education Info Center is chosen strictly by the editor of
the Continuing Education web site. Articles are
chosen based on presenting timely information and providing valuable tips and
insights to
our audience.
DYouve thought a lot about the kind of work you want to do.
The duties, the pay, the hours, the environment everything
sounds right. According to the newspaper ads, there is a big
demand out there. You find a program that sounds really
good. You are all ready to sign on the dotted line.
Stop! Before you invest your time, your energy, and a good
chunk of your money in this direction, ask some tough
questions.
1. Request that the school provide you with placement
statistics these are required by the state for all
approved vocational courses. Statistics can be misleading so
ask for details what kind of job did the graduates find,
how much did it pay, how long did it take them to find it?
2. Ask for the names and telephone numbers of 6 recent
graduates you can contact for feedback. Good schools often
have recent graduates visiting on site to share their
experiences with current students. If the school refuses to
provide such a list, or cannot provide it for whatever
reason they give you, red flags should be immediately
raised.
3. Is State Licensure or Certification required for this
field? If so, what is the schools passing rate? What is the
examinations pass rate overall? How do they compare?
4. Arrange to audit one or two classes. Evaluate the
instructor and the program organization. Talk to the other
students about their experience.
5. Visit the placement office and find out what services and
support are offered. At a minimum, you should receive a
professional resume and multiple job leads. An excellent
school will also provide interviewing skill training and
employer background information. Find out if the school
works consistently with several local employers which
indicates that their graduates have been positive hires in
the past.
There are many great reference and how-to articles in our Continuing
Professional Education Info Center .
Content categories are listed to your left and include tips, how-to's and
reference. You'll find valuable information and perhaps some assistance!
6. Sit down with the Sunday Classifieds and circle employers
in the field. Then call them for information. Are new
graduates considered or is actual work experience required?
Is the school known in the business community and what kind
of reputation does it have? Has this company ever hired a
graduate of this school? How would the employer recommend
that someone enter this field?
If the school comes through with flying colors, move ahead
with the knowledge that obtaining a first job after training
is always difficult but you have some sources of support.
If your questions have revealed weaknesses in the program,
evaluate other schools or consider selecting a different
career goal.
The duties, the pay, the hours, the environment everything
sounds right. According to the newspaper ads, there is a big
demand out there. You find a program that sounds really
good. You are all ready to sign on the dotted line.
Stop! Before you invest your time, your energy, and a good
chunk of your money in this direction, ask some tough
questions.
1. Request that the school provide you with placement
statistics these are required by the state for all
approved vocational courses. Statistics can be misleading so
ask for details what kind of job did the graduates find,
how much did it pay, how long did it take them to find it?
2. Ask for the names and telephone numbers of 6 recent
graduates you can contact for feedback. Good schools often
have recent graduates visiting on site to share their
experiences with current students. If the school refuses to
provide such a list, or cannot provide it for whatever
reason they give you, red flags should be immediately
raised.
3. Is State Licensure or Certification required for this
field? If so, what is the schools passing rate? What is the
examinations pass rate overall? How do they compare?
There are many great reference and how-to articles in our Continuing
Professional Education Info Center .
Content categories are listed to your left and include tips, how-to's and
reference. You'll find valuable information and perhaps some assistance!
4. Arrange to audit one or two classes. Evaluate the
instructor and the program organization. Talk to the other
students about their experience.
5. Visit the placement office and find out what services and
support are offered. At a minimum, you should receive a
professional resume and multiple job leads. An excellent
school will also provide interviewing skill training and
employer background information. Find out if the school
works consistently with several local employers which
indicates that their graduates have been positive hires in
the past.
6. Sit down with the Sunday Classifieds and circle employers
in the field. Then call them for information. Are new
graduates considered or is actual work experience required?
Is the school known in the business community and what kind
of reputation does it have? Has this company ever hired a
graduate of this school? How would the employer recommend
that someone enter this field?
If the school comes through with flying colors, move ahead
with the knowledge that obtaining a first job after training
is always difficult but you have some sources of support.
If your questions have revealed weaknesses in the program,
evaluate other schools or consider selecting a different
career goal.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Bola operated a rehabilitation company, developing
innovative job search techniques for disabled workers, for
20 years. A licensed clinical psychologist, she directed
vocational programs for the mentally ill, served as a
Vocational Expert in administrative and civil court, and
pioneered vocational testimony in Workers' Compensation.
Author of The Wolf at the Door: An Unemployment Survival
Manual, she can be found at: http://www.virginiabola.com
Do you have Continuing Education content or Professional
Development articles that you would like included in our Info Center?
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