Getting some extra qualifications could be the key to moving your career along. However, if you’re already working, studying on top of this isn’t going to be easy. It’s also important to remember that not all jobs require a degree or an apprenticeship to access. This post delves more into some of the important questions to ask when determining whether to pursue further education for the sake of your career. 

Are qualifications a necessity?

There are some jobs that you cannot obtain without some kind of formal education. For example, you can’t become a lawyer without a law degree and you can’t become a nurse without a nursing degree. Other jobs may simply expect a degree of any kind. For example, elementary teachers generally must have a degree, although it can be in pretty much any subject.

Some jobs don’t require you to go to college, but still require you to take an official course of some kind or an apprenticeship. For example, while some paramedics have degrees, you don’t actually need one to apply for this job, however you will need to pass a 6 month EMT training program instead. 

Other jobs definitely do not require qualifications. For example, you can become a photographer without any photography qualifications or a chef without any official chef training. 

Would you be viewed more favorably?

Sometimes qualifications aren’t necessary, but are still looked upon favorably by employers. For example, it’s possible to get a job in HR without any qualifications, and many people do. However, you’ll be looked upon favorably by many top HR firms if you have a degree of some kind. This is because having a degree shows a level of commitment and critical thinking skills.

In jobs that require certain qualifications, you may even be able to stand out by pursuing further education opportunities. For example, you may be able to access more competitive nursing positions with a master of advanced nursing opposed to just having a nursing degree. There may even be specialist additional courses you can take to access specialist areas of nursing such as enhanced pediatric nursing degree to work in children’s nursing. When competing against someone that doesn’t have this additional education, you may find that you have the edge. 

Of course, it depends on the level of experience that the other applicant already has in the field, which leads to an important point – there are other ways to look favorable to employers. When applying for management jobs, having a lot of years experience could make you more favorable to some employers than having extra qualifications.

There could also be transferable skills that can make you a favorable candidate when switching to a new career – for example, you could get a job as a medical writer without an English degree if you have medical experience. Hobbies and pet projects could also help you such as running a fashion blog when applying for a fashion company or volunteering at an animal shelter when applying for a job at a zoo.

Do you have the time to study?

Finding the time to study around an existing job can be difficult. It can be even harder if you have commitments like kids.

Studying on campus may not be possible without quitting your current job. Fortunately, there are many online courses around nowadays that can allow you to study in your own time. You could find that you’re able to study in the evening or on weekends without having to work less hours.

Just make sure that you’re not sacrificing sleep just to get in some study time, or sacrificing all your free time. Education is not worth boosting your career if you’re going to damage your health in the process. Doing too much could also mean that you’re unable to give your work, studies and other commitments the level of concentration that they deserve.

Can you afford to take on the extra fees?

Some people like the idea of pursuing further education in order to access higher paid jobs. But this can be a double-edged sword – you’ll have to invest in a course first, which could cost you thousands and temporarily put you in a worse financial situation.

Working while studying can allow you to pay off education fees as you study, but it may not be enough to support your course and other day-to-day costs. This is why many people resort to loans as they can make it easier to cover the costs. 

It’s worth noting that there are grants and financial assistance programs out there for older students – particularly students who are also parents. In fact, some colleges offer cheap fees to parents, paid accommodation and even grants for childcare. 

Do you have the motivation to study?

When pursuing any form of voluntary education, you shouldn’t just be eager to get a qualification but also eager to learn. If you have trouble concentrating on work or find yourself getting impatient with studying, you may find it hard to pass any course you apply to. Finding another way to boost your career could be a better option for you.

You also need to consider that studying alongside an existing job and other commitments could be exhausting. You will need to be disciplined – setting time aside for studying and sticking to this schedule. If you keep using your study time to do other things, you will fall behind and won’t be able to get the qualification you desire. 

Is further education the answer?

You should consider pursuing an education to advance your career if:

• Your dream job requires a qualification that can only be obtained through education

• If a qualification is highly favored, and there are no other obvious ways you feel you can prove your worth (such as experience, hobbies)

• You can find the time to study without sacrificing sleep/all your free time

• You can cover the fees without financially struggling

• You have the motivation to study and are prepared to study hard to pass