Keeping the Job: Continuing Education

It was hard enough getting the job. Now make sure to do what it takes to keep the job and get a raise (and enlighten yourself in the progress). Continued education and training guarantees a competitive edge.

Continuing Education Options
There are different paths to adult education. Some adults are in it to earn a degree; others are non-degree students; some audit classes — that is attend classes without receiving college credits.

1. Adults can enroll in Continuing Education or Division of Lifelong Learning classes mostly taught by instructors not teaching in the regular academic college, but professionals with specialties and expertise in many areas. For auditing, or observing in a course, the Registrar and Dean of Admissions are sources of information. For Continuing Education information, check to see if the local college, high school, or adult education center has a bulletin of offerings and information about enrollment.
2. Some colleges feature Institutes for Retired Professionals for professionals and non-professionals. Membership consists of retirees interested in developing their intellectual and social growth. There is usually a membership fee that varies from college to college. Members can audit any number of classes on campus, as well as participate in classes offered by their peers. Check to see if your local colleges have an IRP. If not, ask the Registrar how to develop one.
3. Encore Clubs can be found on some campuses. Encore Clubs are support groups of mature college students returning to academia. Social events, including study groups and get-togethers, assist returning students and older newcomers in adapting to academic studies. Forget the "I've been out of school for years" or "How will I ever crack a textbook again?" fear. Encore groups can help. They may be called by different names at individual colleges. Just ask your counselor for the adult support group on campus.
4. For an interesting combination of vacation and education, look into the programs of Elderhostel in Boston and Interhostel at the University of New Hampshire. Log on to their Web sites for information about their live-at universities all over the world, with one to three week programs. These not-for-credit travel courses could take you to Alaska where you live at the University of Fairbanks while learning about the gold rush. You could live at an Ozark's college while learning to quilt. Or, if New Zealand is your pleasure, studying about that country while living at one of their pleasant universities, can be arranged. You travel with a group of 50+ adults, to distinctive locations for unusual learning adventures.
5. Book clubs, swap-meets (informal exchanges of instruction among members), classes at the Ys and senior centers can also help adults seeking to keep their minds and spirits alive and active. If you live in a rural area, log on to your computer to search for book clubs, or swap-meets where you can share your specialty in wood carving with someone who is also a carver.

Tuition Reimbursement
Take advantage of your company's tuition reimbursement programs, if they are offered. Why not get a MBA, or a certificate, while holding down a job — especially if your employer will pay for it?

According to the IRS, you can exclude up to $5,250 of tuition reimbursement each year from taxable income, as of 1998. (Note: You must reduce your deductible educational expenses by the amount of any tax-free educational assistance benefits you received for those expenses.) For more, read Publication 520 (Scholarships and Fellowships), last revised in April, 1998, at www.irs.gov  .

Rate This
Rating: 0/0 (0 votes cast)

  Be the first to Comment