Years ago I was working a retail job and realized that a philosophy degree was probably NOT going to get me into a position with a decent salary. So, I went to the library (pre-internet days!) and researched career paths. I looked at the growing fields at the time – two standouts were (and STILL ARE) technology and healthcare. Having fainted once at the sight of blood, I figured technology was the way to go.
At the time, the Novell CNE certification was a hot ticket so I did some informational interviews and set out to get certified. About the time I was finishing up my classes and self-study courses for my certification, the retail company I was working for “downsized” me out the door. After the shock wore off (10 or 15 minutes later) I called the training center and booked the final course I needed to complete my CNE. Over the course of three weeks, I took the class, passed the test and found a new job by networking like crazy. Certification and credentials helped land that job.
Flash forward a decade ….
NOW I am going through a similar process, except my classroom is a seminar and my teachers lecture on my iPod.
The library is on the bookshelves behind me and research is now a google away. My informational interviews are emails, comments on blogs and IM.
What a difference! Hey, but guess what?
IT IS STILL HARD WORK TO START SOMETHING NEW!
Get over it! Be determined to pursue constant and continual life-long education like a hound dog on a fresh trail. Remember: It is no longer “Education is the key”. Instead, how about: “Education is the keyboard?”
“and the internet”
“and the podcast”
“and the seminars”
“and………………..”
Please share with the class: HOW and WHERE are you getting your career training these days?
