Are certificate programs the way to goI am an admin in the real estate industry and looking to change careers like yesterday! My undergraduate degree is in literature, while I have taken an interest in project management (in construction and development) in the years since college. I can't even seem to get the time of day as an assistant (just to get my foot in the door) in the development department of my comany and I think it's because I have no experience in development and construction. I found a couple of Construction Project Management certificate programs offerred as extension courses- but I don't want to waste my time if they are not going to be taken seriously. More importantly, I want to be more than just an assistant in the field. Do you know of any career success stories that were aided by training via extension courses? Generally how valuable are extension courses and certificate programs? I know they are not the equivalent of a degree so I want to know whether a full-fledged grad program or 2nd bachelor's degree is the better way to go when it comes to longevity in this particular industry. My opinion of certification and extension courses are that they are a good way to get your foot in the door and make potential employers think that you are seriously considering the field you are pursuing the certification in. Convincing them that you will stay interested and want to continue with the courses to earn a degree in that field will be up to you with how well you perform in your studies and the position, when offered. One good way to convince them is, after you have worked there and are still taking the courses, approach Human Resource (or whoever) and say that you would like to continue your studies in that field and would like to find out if they have a tuition reimbursement program which would allow you to take a course or two more than usual. Tuition Reimbursement programs usually only work when are taking courses directly related to your job or courses which will earn you more education for future promotional opportunities. Thanks very much for your feedback! | |
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