Going back to school may spark your interest, but it’s possible you feel unsure if this is the right path for you. Review the reasons why pursuing continuing education is a good idea, and then you can see if any or all of these points resonate with you.
If you’re serious about your career and have a passion for your industry, then this may be the right choice for you. It’s a wise idea to weigh the pros and cons and then come to a conclusion based on your professional goals and current lifestyle. It’s at least worth taking the time to understand the benefits of furthering your education so you can better determine if it’s worth your investment.
1. Make More Money
First and foremost, you can earn a higher salary when you pursue continuing education. For example, Regis College explains that this is one of the several ways a nurse practitioner, in particular, can get ahead in his or her career and make more money. You’ll have a more specialized skill set after having gone through the coursework, and it’ll show potential employers that you have the right background to perform more difficult job duties.
2. Competitive Edge
Another reason to pursue continuing education is that you can add this information to your resume. It’ll help you to beat out the competition when applying for jobs or trying to get a promotion at your current workplace. In this day and age, there are a lot of people competing for the same duties, and you have to find ways to stand out among the crowd. It shows that you’re serious about your career and aren’t afraid to take on challenges. Your job applications will be stronger, and you’ll be more likely to secure job interviews for the positions you’re interested in.
3. Gain Skills & Confidence
Continue your education, and you’ll be on your way to gaining new skills and increasing your self-confidence levels. You’ll be qualified for specific jobs based on your background, and others may not have the education and experience to compete with you. You’ll be proving to yourself that you do have what it takes to learn and succeed and become a thought leader in your field. You’ll feel motivated and excited about your future instead of uncertain and insecure about where you’re heading.
4. Grow Your Network
Going back to school and getting an education is an excellent way to meet new people. In the process, you’ll expose yourself to other individuals who are self-driven and motivated to get ahead. Use your schooling as an opportunity to grow your network and build new relationships and connections. You can bounce ideas off of one another and help each other answer tough problems and questions that you encounter throughout your coursework.
5. Opens More Doors
Generally speaking, you’re going to have more opportunities available to you and be more marketable when you pursue continuing education. There will be additional vacancies to choose from and doors that open for you when you have the right type of knowledge for the jobs you’re going after. Employers may even reach out and try to recruit you once they see your background and what experience you have gained. You may also find there are more positions available to you to apply for when you take time to further your education. You’ll likely be able to land your ideal job and work your way up to a higher level of success more quickly too.
6. Puts You in Control of Your Future
Pursuing continuing education also puts you in the driver’s seat and in control of your career. You’ll feel more in command of your future and like you have the power and say in regards to which direction you’ll be heading next. You can be picker in your job search, knowing that you have a desirable skill set and the ability to thrive in your role. It may also allow you to have a better lifestyle and be choosier about what hours you work and the job duties you want to accept.
Continuing education isn’t for everyone, but many find it to be a satisfying goal to pursue. These are a few reasons why you may find it to be an attractive and suitable route for you. If your career and future success are important to you, then strongly consider going back to school and gaining new skills and knowledge. You’ll likely learn a lot in the process and walk away from a better person and professional for your experience.
