A couple of weeks ago I attended the CDAA National Conference – in person – and had the best time learning about the latest developments in my profession and connecting with like minded people. I came away feeling totally inspired, full of ideas and bursting with enthusiasm for my career.
CDAA is a professional association, and I was able to join because I have a Graduate Certificate in Careers Education and Development – a qualification I undertook part-time, around kids and work, at my own expense, in the early stages of changing career. I’m so glad that I did but at the time a few well-intentioned people said to me “you don’t need to do this qualification – you can help people in their careers without it.”
What they were alluding to is the danger of procrastinating while you get more qualified.
There is something to be said for this.
I hear a lot of women say “I’ll just do this other course and then I’ll be ready.” But inevitably another course of study soon follows that one. Sometimes what’s actually needed is to get started. This comes with a certain amount of discomfort. Perhaps you will have to read a few books, consult google or phone a friend on occasion. But it can get to a point when another degree or qualification takes us further from our goals, not closer.
So how do you know the difference and when is study a good idea if you’re changing career?
For accreditation purposes
In some careers study can’t be avoided. If you want to be a doctor, nurse, lawyer or teacher (the list goes on) then going back to school is a must. Better make sure you’re pretty certain about these career paths as this kind of study requires a big investment of time (and money usually).
To learn and apply best practice
Some professions aren’t regulated, like career coaching, but to operate within best practice and learn the tools of the trade quickly, study is recommended. That is why I studied both coaching and careers education. However, I got started with coaching clients pro bono whilst I did my course so that I could begin applying my learning immediately. Skills go rusty if you don’t use them – just like high school French. So whatever you’re studying begin to look for ways that you can apply your learning immediately, perhaps through volunteering or taking on new projects in your current role.
A signal of commitment to employers (and yourself)
If you’re changing careers, then study can be a sign to potential employers that you’re committed and aren’t completely green in this new area. Combined with good transferable skills, your studies may convince an employer to take a chance on you. Studying can also aid your own levels of commitment. Once you have invested time and money in a qualification, you’re less inclined to turn back.
If this is where you find yourself, then perhaps consider micro credentials or another course that is lower down the scale in time and cost. You want to do just enough to impress your future employer, but not so much that you’re unable to do anything else because you have no free time. Studying is not the only way to show commitment to employers, volunteering, job shadowing and joining industry associations also show you’re keen to enter this new field. Getting a balance of study and real-world experience is ideal.
For confidence
I tricked you here because I think studying for confidence is a bit of a red flag. I hear this one a lot. My further study gave me some best practice tools, knowledge of theory and exposed me to others in my field but I’m not sure it gave me confidence. Confidence comes from doing the work, day in day out. I’m someone who loves learning and has a teensy bit of imposter syndrome, so every time I’m tempted to sign up for another course, I have to remind myself of this and ask myself if the study will take me closer to my goals or further away from them.
Of course, not all study is equal. You need to consider the time and money available to you and what is expected of the career you’re pursuing.
I am a big believer in lifelong learning and I’m sure I have a lot of studying left in me. But there are only so many hours in the day and so if you are considering further study you need to consider your options carefully.
And if you simply can’t make the time or money to undertake further study, then next week I’ll be sharing with you some other ways you can get the skills and experience necessary to change careers. As well as a useful planner with links to resources that can help you. So make sure you watch out for that.