Getting one degree can be challenging enough, but these days, many professionals are beginning to consider the benefits of a second degree. Many technology professionals in particular are looking into graduate degrees as a way of building out new career opportunities, improving their expertise, or switching specialties. Whether you have small business ideas to work for yourself or aim to climb the corporate ladder, you first need to decide how far you need to go with your education.
While not so long ago, program choices in the graduate world were somewhat limited for tech professionals, this is beginning to change. There are extra options out there to explore, from educational technology to electrical and computer engineering courses. Today, we’re going to be asking the question is a second degree the best thing for your tech career?
Start by Researching your Ideal Career
If you’re going to put the additional time, effort, and money into getting a secondary degree for your tech career, you need to make sure you’re getting the right education. This means researching the company and role you’re interested in. Look at the job descriptions currently available for people in the role you want and ask yourself what kind of degrees and accreditation you’re going to need to be successful in your job application. You can also consider speaking to people who already have the job you want, to see whether they can provide any feedback into what kind of courses you should be doing. In some cases, you may not need a second degree at all, but instead just need some basic accreditation from courses you can take online, which could save you some cash.
Know your Funding Options
Since you’ve already gotten a degree in the past, you know how expensive it can be to get another one. This is why it’s so important to ensure you’re using the right funding options. There are plenty of tools available online to help you these days if you’re struggling to find financing on your own.
You can use a scholarship search solution to start finding and applying for scholarships as quickly as possible. The faster you input your application, the more likely it is you’ll end up with the extra cash you need. Don’t forget to consider any loans you might need to take out for your education too, and how you’re going to balance the process of earning income in your current career, with getting your degree. Investing in your future with a secondary degree can be quite the balancing act at times.
Speak to Your Current Employer
Finally, don’t be afraid to talk to your current employer about your options. As tempting as it is to dive in on your own, some employers will be more than happy to flip the bill for your education if it means you’re going to become a more effective and productive member of staff for their needs. With that in mind, talk to your boss about your decision to take a new course, and see what they suggest. If nothing else, talking to your employer will ensure they can be mindful of your needs when it comes to having to swap shifts for exams or important lectures.
