So, before going back to school to spend more money…consider that most jobs in the US (I am assuming you are in the US) do not REQUIRE a college degree. But the over supply of college graduates makes employers inclined to hire them over high school grads. The over supply means they can hire more for paying less. Job creation in the US is bi-polar…at one end or the other in terms of the pay, with not much in the middle. Most firms cut corners by hiring part-timers and save by not having to pay benefits. So many folks are working 2 or more part-time jobs to make ends meet.

Couple this with the fact that education is now big business and not really working as traditional centers of learning for enlightenment of society. So many schools focus on making money by high enrollments, long lists of required courses, etc.

So, you need to find a way to refine your job search…and how you will deal with the killer job interview question “So what kind of job experience do you have (relevant to your major)?”

I suggest starting out with getting actual job positions related to your field that you want.

Now you need to inventory your knowledge and skills related to the job descriptions. To do this, make use of the SCANS lists developed by the US Dept of Labor. (get the lists from http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/public/clubextra.html?nclubid=893282700&nid=268367529

After you inventory yourself, to the same type of inventory for each of the job descriptions you have for the job you want.

Now compare/contrast your inventory to the jobs you want. Any differences point out items of knowledge or skill you need to have in order to qualify for the job.

Also, get your current job description and inventory it using the SCANS lists. Match that up to the jobs you want to have…and see what overlapping knowledge and skills exist. The more, the better as this will help document that you are “current” in those items which are transferable to the real job you want. Think about it…any prospective employer will see your degree is 3 years old and your current job is NOT related to it…and wonder if you are qualified. So the SCANS lists can help you demonstrate competency although you did not actually work in the field of your major.

Now, before going back to school to get any needed knowledge or skills…consider workshops conducted by professional organizations directly related to your degree. This will be current, updated training you add to your resume in support of your degree and shows you are still connected to the field. The bonuses are A) possibly lower cost than college courses, B) shorter time required, C) networking contacts for job leads…remember, it is better to network than to not work.

If more college course fill the need, then use the SCANS lists to inventory the course to be sure it helps you fill any gaps.

Consider the tax implications (Learn more at http://www.irs.gov/publications/p970/); tax with a tax professional to see what applies to you.

Ideally any further training or education can serve two purposes….first, improve your ability to do the existing job (while also improving your ability to do a future job), second, if improving your ability to do the current job, you may be able to deduct the expense, but also, your employer may subsidize the effort….and third, it might mean a pay raise when you successfully complete the course AND show improvement on the job.

Consider starting a website directly related to your degree: you can showcase your knowledge and share information with others. Start by compiling handy references (links) to other websites with vital info to save other Administrators the time of searching for things. This reinforces you are current in your field, even though not actively employed in it…and enhances your credibility. Write and post opinion papers to demonstrate your “expertise” or moderate a “chat” session or blog on the topics of interest to administrators.

I was fortunate to work in my field, but still did much of these suggestions to enhance my position…and have received recognition from my peers in my career before retiring early.

I hope these ideas help you. Best wishes in your quest.

But… keep something in mind. Employers dont always look at the TYPE of degree you have (unless you’re an engineer). A degree states that you have the ability to commit, and the ability to learn. My grandfather has a degree in P.E., he was a pilot and taught flight training, later worked in human resorces for kodak. My mother was a buiness major, she designs telephone systems. My father was a biology major, hes a lawyer . I have a buisness degree… i’m a bartender!

2. depends on whether it is necessary.What if you dont get a job with the next degree you get.