Affectionately referred to as the gig economy, the current job environment can be, let’s face it, precarious.
Many jobs come with the expectation of not only academic credentials but work experience. And then, even when you get a job, there are expectations of adaptability and competitiveness, which can be stressful.
But instead of getting anxious, consider continuing education classes.
What’s continuing education?
Continuing education refers to targeted courses for professionals designed to teach skills in a specific area that will complement the job they have or prepare them for the job they’re hoping to get. These classes aren’t usually offered for credit and function quite differently than college classes.
Why should you take professional development classes?
- Taking these classes signals to your current or future employer that you are ambitious and dedicated to improving your skill set.
- They help you keep up with rapidly changing technology.
- New skills will enable you to branch out, start something new, and potentially create new streams of income.
- Taking classes can yield valuable networking opportunities. In a professional development class, you’ll cross paths with people in your industry or in one you’d like to enter. Talking to your teachers and your peers can be just as helpful as the class itself.
- It’ll keep things interesting!
Where do you find them?
Continuing education classes are often held at colleges and universities, and you easily find organizations dedicated to teaching them online.
Known as massive online open courses (MOOCs), they’re offered by all kinds of learning institutions. Many of these courses can be audited for free, but you can get credit for the class if you’re a paying participant.
What can you learn?
Pretty much anything! It’s possible to mix and match courses to prepare yourself for very specific projects and positions in any number of industries.
Classes are available on Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite; project management; data science, social media marketing; SEO optimization; foreign languages; and much more.
Professional development topics include classes on negotiating salary, a raise or a promotion, improving your interview skills, and jazzing up your resume.
There are even fun classes – think wine tasting, whales, or French New Wave – that will feed your soul.
The possibilities are endless.
