Break Out The Books... School Days, School Days - Mature Workforce - HOT TOPICS, Vol.2 No.24 - September 16-30, 2006

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Mature Workforce HOT TOPICS September 16-30, 2006 - Vol. 2, No. 24

Break Out The Books…
School Days, School Days

Analysts project that 75 percent of future positions are expected to require at least some type of certification or license. Professions that require a bachelor’s degree are projected to grow nearly twice as fast as the national average. Data from the U.S. Department of Education tells us that adults are the fastest growing higher education demographic. For example, the number of students’ aged 35 and older in degree-granting institutions soared from about 825,000 in 1970 to an estimated 2.9 million in 2001. Students’ aged 40 and older increased by 235 percent in the same timeframe. Some accredited institutions’ focus on teaching returning students or late starters. In 2005, their students’ average ages ranged between 36 and 38 years.

For those adults who may be in transition, or who want to increase their earning potential at mid-life, going back to school has never been easier. Institutions now offer:

Flexible schedules

Course credit for work experience

Campus childcare facilities

Returning adult advisors

Unique classroom alternatives

Tutoring and study skills assistance (distance learning & accelerated programs)

Organizations and support groups

Financial aid for mature students.

Did you know? When adults return to earn a second degree in preparation for a career change, many schools waive financial aid restrictions. And, most mature adults do not have to take the dreaded SAT’s…

Here’s a good site to help you begin your investigation: http://www.back2college.com/library/faq6.htm.

Align your degree with marketplace need. Aside from your own dreams, take a look at what the marketplace needs and consider aligning your learning experience with these needs. For example, America is in desperate need of RN’s, teachers (especially math and science) and other healthcare related professionals. As a result industries in America that are expected to grow significantly in the future are Biotech, Education and Healthcare.

Update your learning without seeking a degree. Recent education, when noted on your resume, demonstrates to prospective employers that you (1) like to learn and that (2) you are a self-starter. These traits are especially helpful for re-entry into the workplace by mature workers who may have lingered too long in one or two jobs with one or two employers.

Improve your skills. It is a commonly held “myth” that mature workers do not possess the necessary computer skills in order to keep up with the demands of business. Don’t fall into this trap…using a computer is NOT rocket science – if you can drive a car on our crowded freeways, change a light bulb, use a remote…you can learn the basic skills in a matter of hours!

Q. Why do mature adults return to school?

A. To:

Satisfy social needs – overcome boredom and loneliness
Meet the expectations of their current employer
Prepare for community service
Advance in their chosen profession
Shift career direction
Learn for the sake of learning
Remain at the top of their “brain game” challenges?