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As
many of you know, I am an enormous fan of "going back to
school", especially for moms returning to the workplace.
When you enroll at school you enhance your skill base,
expand your network of business associates, and you give a big
boost to your resume.
Please
keep in mind that "going back to school" does not mean
that you have to sign up for a full-fledged degree program
(given that over half my private clients are MBA's, I'm assuming
most of you don't want to enroll in yet another graduate
program). Sometimes, all you need to refresh your resume is to
enroll in a certificate program.
A
certificate is a credential issued by an institution in
recognition of the completion of a curriculum other than one
leading to a degree. Certificate programs allow you to
concentrate on pursuing a specific subject within a field of
interest, thereby providing you with a tool-kit of expertise and
enhanced employment opportunities without the cost or time
commitment associated with a full-fledged degree program.
What
types of certificate programs are out there? I did a quick
review of programs in my neck-of-the-woods and came up with a
wide array of options. Here is just a sampling:
- Certificate Program in Early Childhood Development (16
credits including a practicum of actual work experience
offered through Purchase College in NY)
- Certificate in Arts Management (Purchase College- for
professionals interested in management options with the Arts
World).
- Certificate in Appraisal of Investment Properties (NYU,
School of Continuing Education)
- Certificate in Online Course Creation and Instruction
(NYU, 3 courses, does have some pre- requisites)
Want
to find out what is available in your geographic area?
First, call all the schools that are within a commutable
distance of your home and ask for their catalog (be sure to tell
them you are interested in certificate programs). Don't overlook
community colleges -- they actually have some of the more
innovative programs out there. If you are uncertain about which
schools are around you, use www.petersons.com (outstanding site)
to do a search by location and area of interest.
Once
you've identified some programs, call the school and make an
appointment to meet with the head of that department. Find out
if there any prerequisites to enrollment and ask questions about
the career paths of recent graduates. Even though these programs
are a relatively small investment compared to grad school, you
don't want to waste your time or money.
Finally,
don't delay. You might need several months to complete your
research and get the necessary paperwork in order before you
begin attending classes.
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