If you've ever owned a deck, you know a little something about protecting against the elements. Clear out the old deck chairs, scrub off the grime, apply a water repellent and you're ready for summer. But did you know that career training does the exact same thing?
Education fortifies your career
Let's stick with this idea for a moment. Just like waterproofing your deck protects your investment against any thunderstorm, an additional degree or certificate program offers an invisible layer of protection for your career. In a recession, an education gives you the shield you need against whatever the economy decides to throw at you.
Whether you choose a brief certificate program or you're upgrading to a master's degree, training is a strong idea during stormy economic times. Education keeps your skills current, gives you the power to switch careers and opens up your options. Check out a few popular career upgrades available with career training. Who knows; you might find the recession-proofing plan you've been searching for.
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Upgrade #1: Web design certificate
Add an attractive element to a graphic design, art or technical degree.
Design your future with this tech-savvy certification. Whether you're an artist looking to bring your career online or you're hoping to make your IT career more attractive, a certificate in Web design can get you there. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that graphic designers with training in Web design will see the best career opportunities.
- Salary upgrade: Graphic designers earned mean annual wages of $46,750 in 2008, the BLS notes. Those working in specialized design services earned $50,190.
Upgrade #2: nursing bachelor's degree
Open up your options from a basic associate degree or diploma.
The path to becoming a registered nurse has three options: earn a diploma, associate degree or bachelor's degree. Why make the upgrade? You'll earn more clinical experience, along with more training in administrative positions, critical thinking and leadership. Additionally, the bachelor's degree opens up the possibility of a master's degree, which in turn could mean a career of specialization, management or teaching.
- Salary upgrade: The BLS reports that registered nurses saw mean annual wages of $65,130 in 2008. Licensed practical nurses, who complete a shorter training program, earned $40,110.
Upgrade #3: management diploma
Use this upgrade with your existing business experience.
If your years of business experience aren't enough to move you forward in the workplace, a diploma or certificate program in management could help. These career training programs offer a shorter time commitment than an associate or bachelor's degree as you learn the fundamentals of business management. Use your training to prove your ability to management, or parlay it into a degree in business or elsewhere.
- Salary upgrade: Order up? Or move up? Food service workers earned $17,400 in 2008, according to the BLS. That same year, their managers earned $50,320.
Upgrade #4: engineering bachelor's degree
Graduate from the engineering technician grind.
If you've worked as an engineering technician, you may already feel like an expert of your industry. Technicians in electrical engineering, civil engineering and more enjoy a specialized level of knowledge. Unfortunately, that knowledge doesn't get you far without a bachelor's degree. With the four-year degree, you'll enjoy more power to move in your field.
- Salary upgrade: Electrical engineering technicians saw mean annual wages of $53,990 in 2008, the BLS reports. That year, electrical engineers earned $85,350.
Upgrade #5: fashion industry degree
Take your sixth sense for shopping to a professional level.
You've grown up with a love of fashion, but you may not have ever considered how a fashion degree could change your life. Instead of combing the racks for your own closet, work as a buyer to stock the shelves of big stores. With a design degree, fill your own shelves with your signature designs. Combine a design degree with a business degree and aspire to open your own clothing line. Like a little black dress in a jewelry store, the combinations are endless.
- Salary upgrade: The BLS notes that fashion designers earned mean annual wages of $71,400 in 2008. Imagine how many pairs of shoes that could buy.
Upgrade #6: IT vendor certification
Keep your competencies current with certification.
Looking to update your skills in the IT world? A certification training program gives you the targeted training you're looking for. Vendor certifications from powerhouse companies like Cisco and Microsoft can mean serious enhancements if you intend to work with the technology on a daily basis. IT employees often return for additional certification programs to keep from being left in the high-tech dust.
- Salary upgrade: Salary survey company PayScale reports that network engineers with CCNA certification earn median salaries of $62,948, while senior network engineers with the same certification earned $84,427.
Recession-proof your career with training
There's no way to guarantee a particular salary or career, particularly in these tough economic times. However, an educational program is one way you can help shore up your defenses against an uncertain career future.
Career training -- both online and in a traditional classroom -- earns you a lot more than a bragging point at your next high school reunion. You get the practical skills you need to operate confidently in your chosen field. No matter how you look at it, that's a valuable upgrade.
