Make sure you're not just chasing a credential; instead, chase the outcome you actually want. Before committing to further education, consider the following: 1. Will the degree/certification materially improve your earning potential, access to roles, or long-term trajectory? To figure this out, talk to people who earned the degree and see what (if anything) it did to help them stand out or get ahead in their current company or in a new target career. 2. Evaluate opportunity cost (e.g., lost income if you stop working) and calculate how long it would take to recoup that investment. 3. Can you realistically balance the coursework with your personal and professional responsibilities (or will you have to change a diaper with one hand and balance a P&L with the other?) 4. Can you gain these skills in another way? Look into bootcamps, certifications, mentorships, online courses (Udemy, Coursera) or a possible job change. 5. Are you doing this to solve a specific problem (e.g., I can't get any higher in my career without a CPA) or pursue a clear goal? Or do you feel stuck in another way in your life? Often working with a career coach can help you sort this out, and is far less expensive than an additional degree!
Working in the EdTech space, I've seen firsthand how powerful further education can be in advancing a career — but I've also seen how easy it is to jump into a program without fully thinking it through. Before enrolling, ask yourself: "Will this program bring me closer to the career I actually want — or am I just hoping it will?" Many professionals assume a new degree or certificate will automatically unlock new opportunities, but the truth is, not all education leads directly to career growth. Relevance: Does this course directly support your career goals? ROI: Will the time, cost, and effort pay off in terms of salary or job opportunities? Flexibility: Can you realistically balance the course with your current work/life responsibilities? In short, education is an investment — and like any investment, it's worth doing your homework before diving in.
Make sure to be looking into how your chosen field or career path may be evolving. If you are pursuing a tech career, for example, understand that things like AI are having significant impacts on job roles, skill requirements, and even entire job titles. It can be better to avoid pursuing further education for a type of job that appears to be diminishing, and on the flip side it can be wise to pursue further education in a type of job that appears to be growing.