Job search gone sour? Hard to find a job? Should I go back to school? Is this a knee-jerk reaction? Do I really need to go back to school? Do I have the energy to go back to school? Can I afford to take time off from work to go back to school? Will my newly acquired degree or certificate necessarily land me the job I want? Will UI (Unemployment Insurance) sustain your job search?

Before considering continuing education courses, certificate program, vocational program, four-year college, or graduate school: ask yourself these important questions:

• Will this program or degree make me more marketable?
• Can I afford to take time off to do this program?
• Are my skills really outdated?
• Are employers really asking for more education or more skills?
• Will more education validate or provide credibility
• Would an internship or volunteer work give me the competitive edge?

This set of questions is really addressing the large issue of whether or not you actually need additional schooling, or if you can make a successful career transition with your present skills and credentials.

After seriously considering the answers to these questions, you may realize that a full-blown degree or certificate program may not actually be necessary. Perhaps you might come up with a compromise: go back to school part-time. The fact of the matter is that the Bay Area is filled with training opportunities for working and / or unemployed adults.

Free or low-cost vocational training courses are offered through government programs such as your local One Stops, the State of California, and your local Regional Occupational Program. A variety of skills are taught, including office skills, electronics, mechanics, etc.

Low-cost programs are offered through your local community college. It is not always necessary to complete a four-year or graduate degree. Community Colleges also offer certificate programs that will allow you to acquire new vocational skills.

Though more costly than the community college certificate programs, State University Extension programs also offer certificates in a wide variety of fields, such as: environmental engineering, biotechnology, paralegal studies, computer science, human services, and alcohol and drug rehabilitation services. Such programs are offered at UC Berkeley, San Jose State University, UC Santa Cruz, and San Francisco State University.

Another option for vocational training comes in the form of vocational training schools such as Bryman College, WyoTech, Healds, SVC, to name a few. They offer programs in a variety of high demand areas such as Medical, Biotech, as well as many technical or service occupations. Sometimes, they offer programs in more compressed time periods. There tuition varies according to each educational training center. They also might offer financial aid as a means of completing the program. It is important to be clear about your financial obligations.

Accredited four-year graduate and post-graduate programs come a in variety of structures designed to meet the needs of working and non-working adults. Many new programs are being implemented to adapt to the changing needs of the job market.

There are numerous accelerated four-programs offered in the Bay Area---University of Phoenix, St. Mary’s College, University of San Francisco, Golden Gate University, to name a few. Many of these programs are user-friendly for the working adult. They normally offer extensive evening or weekend courses. They also combine the theoretical with the hands-on approach.

Other options include a wide range of non-traditional programs, which may or may not be accredited. These programs offer degrees or certificates (that may or may not be respected by employers). It all depends upon the field and/or organization for whom you wish to work.

Whether you are attending a community college program or vocational school, ask if they have job placement assistance or an active career center. Many training programs offer this service as a way for graduates to ease into employment. This should be a critical question to ask before you decide to go back to school. "Do you have a job placement center?"
College or more education is not an end in itself, but rather a way to complement what you already have.

Sometimes, you can get to your objective, a new job or a promotion, in other, more expedient ways. You might want to ask your friends, colleagues, and supervisors, if they think your lack of education is holding you back.

• Alternative strategies to go back to school might be:
• Taking targeted classes and workshops that would enhance your status. For instance, if you are trying to get into the Human Resources field, taking a variety of classes that would provide you with more experience and exposure to the field:
• Re-packaging your resume to reflect your motivation, skills, and experience
• Taking on new projects in your company that would expand your skills while creating higher visibility
• Volunteering or interning with a nonprofit agency to broaden your skills
• Becoming an active member of a professional association
• Keeping current about hot trends in your field through books, journals, and the Internet
• Always talking with others about your craft
• Developing other skills that are complementary to your job.

For instance, if you are a technical person, be more involved with the communication side---marketing, technical support.

Before you take the path of going back to school, know what you are getting into---financially, professionally, and personally. Why not talk to a recent graduate to see if it is for you?. Most educational programs have Open Houses or Informational Nights. There are several ways to reach your goal. Examine the full range of options, educationally and otherwise before taking the plunge into a full-blown educational program.