Make Sure You Have A College Degree In These Tough Times!

For the more than 50 million working adults who the Lumina Foundation reports don't have a college degree, convenience and the affordability of college classes might be important. The economy has been turbulent, and many companies are scaling back staff. Some of the jobs of today might not even be here tomorrow, which could make studying toward a different subject area more appealing for many working adults.

You might not think that you can squeeze in time for college programs. But there are a variety of non-traditional options for adults to choose from, including online college classes and online degree and certificate programs. Online college programs particularly are associated with flexibility and reduced costs and time spent commuting. Programs like these can help adult students enhance their skills in the workplace, the Lumina Foundation reports.

Many employers find it beneficial to pay their employees to return to school, but few employees actually make use of tuition reimbursement benefits, according to the Society for Human Resource Management. Companies that offer appealing tuition rates might be more competitive themselves when their workforce is prepared to meet future business demands.

The Society for Human Resource Management reports that less than 50 percent of full-time employees with tuition benefits at companies with 250 to 499 full-time employee made use of those benefits. Many say they're too busy working, the Society for Human Resource Management noted. Many also say they're not sure how the corporate culture views continued learning, according to the organization.

It's not uncommon for adult workers to enroll in college during times of economic downturn, a Lumina Foundation publication reports. Many do so to sharpen their skills or to retrain or retool for new careers. These students particularly might find certificate programs helpful and convenient. Employers have been known to look favorably upon certificates, particularly when they're combined with work experience.

Employees who want to advance within a global business environment might consider learning a foreign language. Being fluent in more than one language could prove a valuable asset. Foreign language classes are among many online and otherwise that provide opportunities to perfect certain skills.

Adults particularly might find online and non-credit college classes appealing, the Lumina Foundation suggests. Companies without tuition reimbursement benefits might even pay for some online classes. You might consider asking your employer about financing options that might be available through other company programs for specific classes you might like to take.

• Article Word Count: 398
• |
• Total Views: 6
• |
• permalink