All over the country, working people are seeking more education. Sometimes, that means going back to grad school. Sometimes, that means getting trained and certified in new skills. In any case, people are hungry for more education. Why is this? And what are the best practices for gaining more education in your career?
The Promise of Education
It’s not hard to understand the objective, raw benefits of pursuing more education. Going back to school or undergoing formal training in a new area means you’ll have access to new knowledge, new skills, and new credentials that can make you look more attractive in the eyes of an employer. If you go back to school for an advanced degree, for example, you can likely pursue new jobs, ask for more money, and broaden your future employment horizons.
Even something relatively simple, like becoming aerial lift certified, can make a big difference in your career. Aerial lift certification can be done in less than a day, yet it can qualify you to operate pieces of heavy machinery safely and responsibly. This can look great on a resume and potentially help you earn more money over time.
On this level, it’s obvious why so many workers are going back for more education. They want more money. They want more skills. They want more prestige to help them stand out.
But why now?
Why Now?
There are a few explanations for why there’s been such a recent surge in interest in further education.
- Inflation and economic woes. One possibility is that people are feeling the pressure of inflation and similar economic woes. Over the past several years, the cost of pretty much everything has increased, and wages haven’t quite caught up. Workers may have asked for raises or sought alternative positions, but if these strategic moves weren’t enough to close the economic gap, pursuing further education and development likely seemed like the best option.
- AI and technology disruption. It’s also possible that AI and other forms of technology are displacing workers, forcing them to develop more skills so they can stay ahead of the technology curve. Companies everywhere are using AI for automating everything from marketing emails to customer service interactions. While AI is still relatively limited, there’s no doubt that companies are cutting back on human labor costs by integrating more technologies. Accordingly, people are feeling pressure to advance their skill sets in ways that AI can’t currently match.
- Labor shortages. Some industries and professions are struggling with massive labor shortages. For example, there’s a shortage of specialized developers for in-demand technologies like blockchain and AI. There are also major shortages in construction and other physically intensive careers. If people are unhappy in their current jobs for any reason, there are plenty of options available – but some of them do require further training and education for prospective candidates.
- Online education and training opportunities. It also helps that further education and training have become more accessible and more widely available, thanks to online learning. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, both institutions and individuals have been more open to the idea of remote learning, and many more online educational platforms have emerged. It’s much easier to convince yourself to pursue ongoing education if you can do it from the comfort of your own home.
- Stagnation and desire for change. And of course, some people are dealing with stagnation and a genuine, deep desire for change. The world is in a very different place now than it was even a few years ago, and many people are feeling motivated to change their lives for the better.
Making the Most of Your Education
If you decide to pursue further education for your career, or even just your personal development, these strategies can help you succeed:
- Choose wisely. Education for the sake of education isn’t always a good thing. What’s important is that you choose to learn something that’s interesting and valuable to you, at the personal level. Carefully consider how this education will change your life before making your decision.
- Talk to your employer (if appropriate). If you’re currently working, consider talking to your employer about your interest in further education. Some employers may be willing to subsidize your education or direct you to resources that can help you pursue education more effectively. Other employers may be willing to work with you and adjust your schedule as you start attending classes.
- Consider your finances. Education can be expensive. Before you get too far into the process, make sure you have a plan for how you’re going to afford it, as well as any other personal expenses you’ll face in the meantime.
- Dedicate yourself. Whatever mode of education you choose, dedicate yourself fully. Your rewards will be proportionate to the effort you put in.
- Have a backup plan. It never hurts to have a backup career plan in place. There’s nothing wrong with hoping that your education will lead you to a straightforward, new, and exciting career, you should think of a few alternative ideas just in case things don’t turn out as you expect.
Education has always been valuable, but now, workers are flocking to educational opportunities in greater numbers. It’s likely that this momentum will continue, and as long as you’re strategic in your approach, you’re likely to benefit from further education as well.
