Back to School?

Women especially are tapping into the education goldmine today – they earned 61 percent of master’s degrees in 2009.

With the kids back at school, many professional women are now considering a return to the classroom to give their own careers, or their employees, an extra competitive edge.

“Re-training or taking courses demonstrates your initiative,” says Catharine Rampell, a reporter for the New York Times. “Community colleges, four-year colleges, for-profit technical schools and everything in between are expanding course offerings and retooling curriculums.”

Further job training can be formal or informal. Graduate programs take a serious time commitment, but the level of education you or your employees receive can boost your business. In fact, a master’s degree is worth about $1.3 million more in lifetime earnings than a high school diploma, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Money may be tight, but the AAUW and BPWUSA offer grants for women.

If the commitment of a formal program turns you off, attending seminars with co-workers is an option. Across the country, companies like American Management Association and National Seminars Group give lessons on a topics from accounting to writing skills, IT tips and even stress management! The annual “Davos for Women” event in France provides a forum for women to get together and discuss economic and societal issues, including the importance of higher education, and has previously drawn attendees like Hilary Clinton.

Taking time outside work doesn’t have to turn into a crazy juggling act. Prepare by keeping personal and professional goals in mind, scheduling your day, and staying organized.

Bonus PINK Link: Here are 23 ways to improve your health and change your life – in two or three minutes!

Minute Mentor: See Emory University’s Joan Coonrod discuss the merits of going for your MBA.

By Jennifer Gambrell

“It’s a mistake to think that once you’re done with school you need
never learn anything new.” Sophia Loren