| Adult Continuing Education |
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Adult Continuing Education for IT ProfessionalsBy S. Jeanne O'Neill, former Director of Continuing Education for Southern Vermont CollegeKeeping Pace with Today's Technology for "Career Insurance"Continuing education is more important in today's world than ever before. Whether your IT career is focused in the sector of healthcare, industry, business, or government, you will be expected to keep your employer competitive in the fast-changing world of Information Technology. This requires that you keep up to date. How to keep up to date? Hands-on learning is ideal, as is keeping up with the periodicals relevant to your job, but consider going a step further - earning an IT degree or certification.While a well-developed resume is critical for acquiring a new job, adding a certification or degree to your resume authenticates your professionalism and desirability to your current employer. It is a rare company that doesn't encourage continuing education for its IT professionals. In fact, many companies offer tuition reimbursement for employees who pursue advanced training in their field. What form should your continuing education take?In-house Training: Some employers offer seminars and workshops on-site, either through a contracted training institution or with in-house staff. Some companies even create curriculum that will lead to bachelor's degrees, CEU's and Microsoft certifications. One exemplary program was created by pharmaceutical giant, AstraZeneca, which has established its own fully accredited AZ University for its employees.Before pursuing any outside continuing education options, check with your Human Resources Department. There may be opportunities for you at work, during work hours, that can help you meet your goals. Distance Learning: If there are no local programs that will meet your needs, consider distance learning. Online courses are offered by many colleges and universities, as well as through online universities such as the University of Phoenix and through Adult Education Programs of local public school districts. Distance learning can be for a course, a certification program, and/or for a college degree. To explore the pro's and con's of Distance Learning, read this article. Continuing Education Units (CEU's): Does your IT focus or career path require earning a set number of CEU's within a particular timeframe? Again, check with your employer and then search our Directory for options that will meet your needs within traditional schools or online courses. Computer-related Certifications: Will your career get the boost it needs from earning a computer-related certification? Whether you are currently employed and simply seeking to enhance your employment options, or are unemployed seeking a career with a solid future, enrolling in and completing a certification program can be a powerful strategy. Explore our lists of Certifications to understand all of your options in the fast-paced world of high technology. IT Degrees: Some career paths are most effectively approached with a college degree in hand. Explore our Degrees pages to better understand the two-year, four-year, and graduate degree options available to you. Internships and Apprenticeships: These can be ideal solutions for high school and college students. Talk to your guidance counselor, placement official, or School-to-Work coordinator to explore the opportunities for hands-on learning that can make you a valuable employee in high technology. |
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  Technology degrees online and at campuses across the US. More Info... 
Earn your degree from the largest private university in North America. More Info...  The ITT Technical Institutes offer technology-oriented programs at over 90 campuses in over 34 states. Online programs are also available. More Info... |
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