ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2006 > April > 07
Friday, April 7, 2006
Use further education to your benefit
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Japanese use the term “kaizen” to refer to the process of continuous quality improvement. Without a system of quality assurance, any product is subject to performance failure.
Successful professionals apply the same concept to their career development process.
A key investment in quality improvement is education. Whether it’s returning to graduate school to obtain an advanced degree, completing a continuing education course required by a state licensing board, or simply staying abreast of current industry trends, education is critical to career advancement.
Savvy employees recognize the importance of observing more senior colleagues and viewing their accomplishments as a guide to their own professional journey.
If most managers within your industry have a masters degree and you strive to remain competitive for those top jobs, perhaps your next steps are researching local graduate schools, beginning to prepare for entrance tests.
Investigating whether or not you will need to take any prerequisite courses prior to admission in the program of your choice, and looking into what financial aid options you may have.
Depending on your industry, completing specific certifications may also help you further your career.
These might include the Six Sigma Black Belt certification for the corporate world, Sarbanes-Oxley in finance and accounting, Microsoft or Cisco certifications for the IT industry, etc.
Talk with your current supervisor and other managers within your industry to determine if these certifications are right for your intended career path.
Many companies are even willing to provide financial assistance, or grant employees flexible hours to accommodate classes.
Regardless of which path you choose, being mindful of industry trends and keeping your skills sharp through formal or informal continuing education opportunities are essential components of your professional growth and development.
