It is Back to School Time - Are you on the Bus?

Life is like a bus: you can get on and go somewhere or you can just sit there and watch it pass by you.  ~ Debbie Tsai

     It is that time of year again – back to school time!  Last week, my colleague and I were discussing our choices back in freshman year and how thrilling it was to be just starting out. He had just dropped his daughter off at college for the start of her freshman year. What an exciting time for her!  I asked what major she picked and I got the typical answer, “Well, she’s thinking maybe physical therapy. We’ll see where she lands”.  Does that sound familiar?

     Many freshmen enter college unsure what they want to major in or what they want to do to earn a living.  The best part is that they can sign up for a variety of classes and see what they like!  Each semester brings another series of opportunities for exploring.  Over time, most people eventually choose a major. Even after graduation, it is not too late to reconsider.  Many of my classmates from college are working in different fields from their area of study. In fact, statistically, few people work in the same field as their college major.

     Are you considering a career change? If so, now would be the perfect time to explore new possibilities by signing up for a class!  Taking classes is a great way to see what you like and what you do not.  Whether they are credit courses or non-credit courses, being a continuous learner is a great way to expand your career options.

     Where would you go in your area to sign up for classes? What topics look interesting to you?  What would you like to learn more about?  What class did you leave off the list while you were in college? Consider community education, Saturday seminars or short certificate courses as well as degree programs. Maybe you went straight to work out of high school and never had the chance to go to college full time.  Plenty of people complete degrees one course at a time, at night, on weekends or even on line. What would you like to learn about and explore?

     Rather than thinking that you have to figure everything out and officially apply to a college for a specific program, why not start out by taking one class? I watched Jim do this.  After not doing so well in college his freshman year, like many people, he quit school and took an entry-level position at a local ceramics manufacturer. He enjoyed his work and the paycheck, but eventually he felt his career options could be broadened if he had a degree.   

     Over time, he began taking classes in ceramic chemistry. Soon enough he had an Associates Degree. This allowed him to go from the production line to a higher paying position in the chemistry department.  In fact, he did so well in his coursework that the company offered to send him to school full time to finish his Bachelors Degree at an Ivy League college!

     Majoring in chemistry was the last thing Jim had on his mind as a freshman. He had no idea he would love it so much or be so good at it until he signed up for that first class.  Now he enjoys a career in the research and development department of the same company he has worked at for over twenty years.

     It is never too late to explore something new!  Don’t miss the bus this semester. Take some time out this week to check out your class opportunities, and let the Tools community know what you decide.

Have a great week exploring your opportunities!