Back-to-Work, Back-to-School!

As many of you know, I am an enormous fan of "going back to school." When you go back to school you ensure that your skills are fresh, you expand your network of business associates, and you give a big boost to your resume. Particularly for Comeback Moms, having up-to-date education noted on your resume can make the critical difference between being viewed as an "also-ran" or a "hot commodity" when looking for a new job.

Please keep in mind that "going back to school" does not mean that you have to sign up for a full-fledged degree program (given that over half my private clients are MBA's, I'm assuming most of you don't want to enroll in yet another graduate program). Sometimes, all you need to refresh your resume is to enroll in a certificate program.

A certificate is a credential issued by an institution in recognition of the completion of a curriculum other than one leading to a degree. Certificate programs allow you to concentrate on pursuing a specific subject within a field of interest, thereby providing you with a tool-kit of expertise and enhanced employment opportunities without the cost or time commitment associated with a full- fledged degree program.

What types of certificate programs are out there? I did a quick review of programs in my neck-of-the-woods and came up with a wide array of options. Here is just a sampling:

Certificate Program in Early Childhood Development (16 credits including a practicum of actual work experience offered through Purchase College in NY)

Certificate in Arts Management (Purchase College- for professionals interested in management options with the Arts World).

Certificate in Appraisal of Investment Properties (NYU, School of Continuing Education)

Certificate in Online Course Creation and Instruction (NYU, 3 courses, does have some pre- requisites)

Here is how can you find a program that is just the right solution to your needs:

First, call all the schools that are within a commutable distance of your home and ask for their catalog (be sure to tell them you are intererested in certificate programs). Don't overlook community colleges -- they actually have some of the more innovative programs out there. If you are uncertain about which schools are around you, use Petersons.com (outstanding site) to do a search by location and area of interest.

Once you've identified some programs, call the school and make an appointment to meet with the head of that department. Find out if there any prerequisites to enrollment and ask questions about the career paths of recent graduates. Even though these programs are a relatively small investment compared to grad school, you don't want to waste your time or money.

Finally, don't delay. Now is the time to do your research if you're interested in enrolling in a program for the summer or this coming fall.