The average Canadian will work in approximately three different career fields and eight jobs in their lifetime, according to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. Depending on what they studied in post-secondary, that could entail two fields and six jobs they have not received training for.
So what is the key to unlocking access to these alternative employment opportunities that are awaiting you? Some would argue it is continuing education.
Whether you are currently in a successful position but want to develop your skills further, or in an industry where recent layoffs have made your job security questionable, or new to the job market—as a fresh-faced graduate or perhaps a newcomer to Canada—retraining can put you on course toward a new career.
Through education and career experience, you attain an arsenal of transferable skills (e.g. communication, time management) that can help make any career transition smoother. But these transferable, “soft” skills may not be enough considering the current demand for specific, “hard” skills in a crowded job market.
With many Canadians switching fields throughout their careers, there is understandably a perceived skills gap between what job seekers bring to the table from previous experience and the current demands of the given industry.
Perhaps for this reason, an increasing number of people looking to make a career change are returning to the classroom to help bridge the gap to a new career path. Both universities and colleges have options for continuing education that provide the necessary skills for entering a specific field.
The choice between university and college depends on what you are looking to get out of the experience: if you’re not looking to move up, but rather make the change into a new field, those who have done it would recommend enrolling in a college program as the way to go.
“Some may see it as taking a step backwards, but I think that it’s absolutely a step forward. You’re just learning new things that you can apply to everything, whether it be your next job or an interview,” says Meaghan Green, communication and events coordinator of varsity sports for Algonquin College’s Students’ Association, a position she was able to obtain with the knowledge and skills she gained from continuing education.
After completing a university degree, Green was unsatisfied with the job prospects in her chosen field. She decided to continue her education in a college classroom—a path that a growing number of post-grads and job-seekers are choosing. Driven by the current job market and the desire to acquire advanced skills that will lead to employment, Canadian colleges have seen a rise in enrolment among students who already have degrees. The percentage of college students who are university graduates increased by 10 percent in 2009-2010, according to the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario’s 2010–2011 Annual Report.
Those who go back to school are finding that the time spent retraining in a hands-on environment helps to connect them to the workforce. They leave well aware of the skills they possess and have a better understanding of the job market, according to Green.
Of course, there are benefits and risks that go along with the decision to go back to school. Career Options spoke with continuing education experts Carolyn Young, director of Continuing Studies at Western University, and Angelo Di Giorgio, career coach at Humber College and principal and managing director of careerdynamics.ca, as well as a group of continuing studies students attending various colleges throughout Ontario.
In discussing the pros and cons, everyone seemed to agree there are three main benefits as well as three areas of risk when it comes to retraining.
Benefits
Networking: Classmates are a great base for networking. Your coordinators, professors and fellow students may end up becoming leads for job opportunities, your colleagues or even your boss.
Perspective: “Retraining gives you a new outlook. It offers a fresh start and allows you to experience other interest areas that you haven’t explored yet, because of time constraints or work commitments,” says Di Giorgio.
Experience: CO spoke to Algonquin College students Rose Hack and Aimee Savard, who both emphasized that the co-ops and internships available within college programs were what attracted them, because many of their previous job interviews stressed work experience. Both of them landed summer jobs in their fields of study before completing their diploma, thanks to the connections they made through their placements.
Risks
Time: If your circumstances don’t offer you the luxury of free time, taking on a full course load may not be possible. Night or online classes may also be challenging to work into a schedule.
Money: If you don’t have the means to pay for the program up front, taking on an additional tuition loan can be a burden. Adding to your student debt must be carefully considered—will your continuing education studies lead to a job that will help you pay it off?
Energy: Going back to school means readjusting your routine, and sometimes taking on more commitments. Make sure that you have the energy to handle the extra work and time you’ll have to put in.
However, in the end, it seems the biggest risk is standing still.
Accessing all the advantages that come with getting back into the classroom is enough motivation to do more with your education and skill sets, says Young. “One of the things we notice about all of our students is they know that learning doesn’t stop at graduation anymore.”
If you are considering making the move toward retraining, there are four steps you should take:
Step One: Self-assess
Start by considering who you are, where you are in life, your interests and aptitudes. Look at your current role, your strengths and your values. Consider what you would like to do more of and what transferable skills you can carry forward.
Step Two: Identify gaps
Recognizing the gaps in your resumé can give you an idea of the training that would make you a well-rounded candidate in the current market. Understanding which skills you lack can be a challenge, but it will be rewarding when you use that knowledge to fit into a role tailored for you.
Step Three: Do some legwork
Go further than reading job descriptions or program outlines. Fully research the job options that are available, and talk to people in the industry by conducting information interviews. Find out which skills employers are looking for and ask which educational programs they recommend.
Step Four: Get assistance
If you’re currently employed, evaluate your employer’s options for educational assistance funding for professional development. Alternatively, look into government grants or accelerated programs available for those with pre-existing education or qualifications.
Retraining is great as long as you’ve done your homework. You can research and recognize the demand for a job, but if it’s not the right job for you, making the switch may not be to your advantage.
“Education is never lost, but if you are interested in landing a meaningful job, based on your fit, do your research and make sure that you are attending the right program,” says Di Giorgio.
Although going back to school does not guarantee employment, if your new skills are aligned with what the market needs and you are able to effectively communicate that to a potential employer, then employment is likely to happen sooner rather than later.
“Retraining can work—and I’m a proponent of lifelong learning—but at the same time there’s got to be a return on educational investment,” says Di Giorgio.
That return comes in the form of job satisfaction, he says: “Your rewards are limitless. The sense of fulfillment is there. If you align your personality, your interests, your skills and abilities and marry that with the labour market demand, the rewards are there.”
Transferable Skills Checklist
Some skills are relevant to all careers, and it’s important to mention these areas of strength when interviewing for a position. Try to relate your experience back to a group project, a previous exercise or time in your career when you applied these skills, to demonstrate to the interviewer your awareness of your own capabilities.for more info, check out avant career
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