In a word: Yes. Continuing education is important for
everyone now, in all fields. Almost as soon as you've
completed a field of study and begun working-- new ideas,
approaches and techniques will be under discussion.
To stay current in your discipline (and to assure work
success and career progression), it's imperative you
stay on top of emerging techniques and technologies
that affect your work area.
Even if you have worked in the same field for years
and have accumulated a rich repertoire of experience,
continuing ed is vital. Many occupations are now adopting
"skill standards" that will formally define the knowledge
desired and/or required for that field. In order to
assure your ongoing career stability, you'll want to
be sure to keep current and at least meet, if not exceed,
defined "skill standards".
Certification, in a wide variety of fields, is becoming
more and more common these days, too. Even if you're
already in the occupation -- if today's new hires are
expected to be certified in particular areas, it will
be to your advantage to certify yourself as well.
Of course, if you're involved in any aspect of medical
technology you will need to continually seek continuing
education in order to stay current with ongoing trends
and changes. In many cases the same applies to those
in business and industry since methods change for many
occupations as new information and techniques are introduced.
Ongoing education is one of the surest routes to
promotion and it increases job security. It also enhances
opportunity on the job market when you're seeking a
new job. And, carefully planned, it can provide a good
insurance policy against obsolescence. (If trends indicate
that your career field or industry is in a downturn,
with continuing education, it's possible to acquire
new skills and successfully move into another occupation
or industry. Reality is: There's no way to lose with
continuing education.
So, exactly what is "continuing education"? It can
take many forms. For those in certain career areas (i.e.,
legal/medical) there are certain prescribed courses
one must take within a certain timeframe in order to
remain licensed. In other areas, like technology, there
are new languages, new operating systems, and the like
released continually that may be important to learn
about for your particular field or business niche. For
some, achieving specific certifications is vital. But,
sometimes, continuing ed is less specific. Sometimes
it's up to you to decide what courses/new learning will
benefit you in your current job or on the job market
as a whole.
If you aren't sure how to proceed with continuing
education: Try talking to your boss or the personnel
department if you're already working in a job you enjoy.
Find out what courses might enhance your value to your
employer and/or help you get ahead on the job -- then
pursue those. If you're planning a career change, new
learning should be aimed toward the new occupational
area you wish to enter -- it will make the change much
simpler to accomplish.
There are credit classes and non-credit classes.
One is not necessarily better than the other, it depends
on your goal. Look into all options and settle on the
one that works for you personally and that will provide
a valuable stepping stone to take you in the direction
you've chosen
