How to Investigate Education Options
Each job profile includes an Education section that highlights relevant fields of study for that particular type of work.
It's important to note that having a degree in one of those fields may not always be necessary to secure the job. Some employers are open to considering candidates with alternative education and qualifications as long as they can fulfill the job requirements effectively.
For college students and individuals considering college education, pursuing the recommended fields of study can be a good way to prepare for the desired job.
If you are transitioning careers, the most suitable education options will depend on your background and the specific role you are targeting. Bootcamps, certificates, or courses can provide the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful transition.
The degrees, bootcamps, certificates, and courses mentioned in our job profiles and examples are not specific recommendations. It is essential for you to thoroughly research and explore your education options to determine the best fit for your individual circumstances.
To identify the degrees, courses, certifications, and boot camps that align with your target job, here are eight strategies you can utilize:
Strategy 1: To learn more about the specific fields of study that can help you prepare for a desired career, you can type a phrase like this into your favorite online search browser:
What education is needed to become “name of job”
Strategy 2: Review job postings and take note of the education requirements and qualifications sought by employers.
Strategy 3: Look for the specific certifications mentioned in job postings. You can do this by simply adding this phrase to the General Job Search Phrase (which are included in every job summary profile) that you are researching:
AND (certification OR certificate OR certified OR designation)
For example, if you are researching for roles in Compliance, you could use this search phrase:
Title:Compliance AND (certification OR certificate OR certified OR designation)
Strategy 4: Perform an online search using a phrase like "'[name of job title]' AND (certification OR training)" to find additional certifications or training opportunities related to your desired career. For example:
“Human Resources” AND (certification OR training)
Strategy 5: Explore online platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, EdX.org, classcentral.com, Stanford Online, Udemy, Coursera, and Code Academy for inexpensive or free courses and certifications that can provide the necessary skills and knowledge.
Using these ‘edtech’ platforms, you can start streaming on-demand video lectures today from top instructors (at Harvard, MIT, Yale, Stanford, University of Penn, and hundreds of other top schools) on subjects like business, economics, coding, data science, art & design, communications, humanities, and law. Best of all, there are thousands of free courses and other low-cost training options.
Strategy 6: Many industries have a Professional Association and some of those associations offer high-quality training classes, courses, or certificates. Search for professional associations in your desired field by using a phrase like this:
“name of appealing field” professional association
For example, if you are interested in a career in fundraising, you can use this phrase to search online for professional associations in that field:
Fundraising professional association
There are a good number of ‘sham’ professional organizations, so be sure to do your due diligence and verify the association and its courses / certifications are credible.
Strategy 7: If you are a college student or considering enrolling in college, see if they offer Career Counseling Services to help you explore education options. They may be able to suggest suitable programs and institutions to consider.
Strategy 8: An informational interview is a meeting between an individual seeking information about a particular career, industry, or educational path and a professional working in that field. It provides an opportunity to gain insights, advice, and firsthand knowledge about the industry and career trajectory from someone with relevant experience.
During an informational interview, the person conducting the interview (often referred to as the "interviewee") asks questions to gather information and guidance from the professional (the "interviewer"). The interviewer shares their expertise, personal experiences, and recommendations, offering valuable insights into the industry, educational requirements, career progression, and other relevant aspects.
The purpose of an informational interview is not to secure a job or ask for favors but rather to gather information, expand one's professional network, and gain a better understanding of a particular career path. It can help individuals make informed decisions about their education, training, or career choices.
You can learn more about information interviews at www.InformationalInterviewArticles.com
By employing these strategies, you can gather valuable information and identify the educational opportunities that will best prepare you for your desired career.