The Princeton Review
When you think of higher education, what do you think about? The first thing that probably comes to mind is a four-year university with old-looking libraries and students with stacks of books rushing to class. That image may be true, but that type of school isn’t for everyone, and it is definitely not the only type of school out there.
Many people who look for a career change, or look for more training in general, can turn to vocational or professional development programs. These programs can be offered in-person or online, at a vocational career college, community college, or through an extended university program. The great thing about these programs is that many are geared towards working professionals with a day job. You can find courses offered in the evening and online.
These programs are typically short in length, with many ranging from a few months to a year. At the end, you may earn a certificate that signifies your completion of the program, or qualification of the position that you were training for. Examples of these types of programs can range from paralegal studies, to real estate, to IT certification.
To research these types of programs, search for your local community college and take a peek at their list of offered certificates. Another great resource would be to go back to the university where you got your Bachelor’s degree. Bigger public universities typically have an Extended University where students of all backgrounds can study to get certified in different career fields. Project management is a type of program that many businessmen and women go through to serve them better in their selected career field. Those with interests in technology can get trained on IT systems, or learn computer programming. You can even study to be an English teacher in a foreign country by getting a TESOL certification!
Once you know what path you’re interested in, then the first step is to do your research. You might see if you can make an appointment with an advisor at the school to get some more information. The more you can learn about the program, the more you can see which vocational or professional development program is best for you!