I recently read that according to the National Center for Educational Statistics, fewer than 29% of citizens in the United States currently have educational levels of a Bachelor’s Degree of higher. We all know the high price of a college degree and the increasing tuition rates make it harder than ever to get an education.  

If parents don’t have some kind of an education account they’ve been adding to for years it can be pretty tough for a college-bound high school graduate. Some parents end up re-mortgaging their homes or taking out loans while others tell their kids they are on their own. 

The thought of loans for an eighteen year old high-school graduate can be too stressful and choosing not to go to college can be an easy way out. Often they begin working with the intentions of going back to school at a later time. Some do eventually go to school but for many, life becomes too complicated and it seems their chance is gone. 

My recommendation to people considering going to school, whether right out of school or later as an adult, is to think of yourself as your biggest and most important asset and investment. So, if you have to take out loans, work full time, or search for a company that will help with college tuition do it! Many larger employers still have some form of tuition program set up for their employees. Check out where you work now, you might be surprised to find your own company offers some incentive to improve skills and knowledge. 

It is well worth the trouble to investigate and to continue learning as you progress in your career. Not only will you will stay ahead of the game but will be seen as a valued employee and your customers will benefit from your ongoing learning. I still participate regularly in webinars, teleseminars, courses, classes and read everything I can, to keep up-to-date and continue being an asset to my clients, colleagues, and myself. 

Investing in yourself by expanding your skills, experience and knowledge, whether personally or professionally will increase the benefits you have to offer professionally. I see this daily working with my clients. The ones that have made the extra effort to complete the newest certification courses, keep up-to-date on the advantages on the internet or using industry-specific software; get involved in the industry by joining associations or networking groups are the ones that find the new jobs the fastest.  

Not only do these candidates have superior skills and experiences but they show their drive and motivation by continuing to learn and grow in their specialty. They’re not stale, stagnate or out of touch with the latest industry trends and technology. 

It isn’t hard to find ways to improve your skills and knowledge – the internet can take you anywhere. The more I look into something new that I’ve heard about or look for further information regarding question a client had on a particular job search strategy, the more I find. At this point, I could read, take courses, webinars, college classes, and write articles, all online, for years and never master it all.  

Try committing a few hours a week to self-improvement strategies. Start by just making a two column list. The first column list all the things that interest you in your field or industry and in the adjacent column jot down how you could learn about these interests. You’ll be surprised at what your curiosity can stir up. My list is actually on a file on my computer. When I discover something that is of interest to me I add it to my list for future investigation. As I research or complete things on the list I just delete them, but in between – I’ve learned something new and invested in myself…because I’m worth it!