Is this a good time to go back to school?

American's these days are working god-awful hours. But still, many of us have a desire to learn skills we feel we need. I'd love to take a class on web design. I'd love to learn Spanish. With the school year kicking in, is there something you want or feel you need to learn? Do you think you can balance work and school? Is now the right time for you to get an advanced degree or learn new skills?

I think the recession has taught us that any advantage in the marketplace is worth pursuing.

An article today in The Glass Hammer caught my eye. It mentions that anyone who lacks skills they need should get them now, particularly if you are unemployed with time on your hands.“Everyone who wants to excel in business needs to understand finance and accounting,” says Dr. Linda D. Henman, President of the Henman Performance Group says in the article. “If you’ve studied HR but don’t seem to be getting anywhere, now would be a good time to pick up those classes. If you’re a finance professional, advanced training and a masters can only help.”

Experts feel the cost most often would pay off. “Especially during uncertain economic times, investing in an advanced professional degree program, such as an MBA, is the one positive move you can make to take control of your future,” says Beth Walker, Associate Dean for the MBA programme at the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. “Though the economic downturn makes the decision to return to school seem more difficult, earning an MBA right now will provide a launching pad for new career opportunities when the economy rebounds

There's also the networking opportunity. You tend to meet other people when you take a class. The Glass Hammer points out: "A good school can offer you a door to an international network of business colleagues – an bonus that could be worth more to you than the letters after your name, if you want the opportunity to work abroad or in a globally influential role."

While it may seem crazy to put additional pressure on your plate by going to school, ask yourself what you will gain. If it is to learn new ways of thinking or skills to be more valuable in the job market, have a rough idea what you want to do after graduating.

"Lifelong learning is the secret to success in any chosen career," says Blythe McGarvie, CEO of consultancy firm LIF Group, and an MBA from Kellogg.

What do you think is the best reason to go back to school? Would you be willing to make it a priority?

Comments

[legitimate paid surveys]

I think the best reason on going back to school, having a career and long term of job in the future, that will make you and your family successful.