Advancing Your Career with Graduate Education

  **Career job information for job seekers and find good   employment job 

 By Woodrow Aames

Are you ready to climb to the pinnacle of your professional field? The next step is to consider professional online courses that can advance your career without interfering with your work or family commitments.

The first step lies in knowing what type of continuing education is right for you. If you already hold the degree that qualifies you for the job you aspire to, a few online continuing education courses may be what you need to revitalize your resume, brush up on the latest trends, and stand out from the competition.

On the other hand, if you find those getting promoted hold a master's degree or PhD--and you don't--you may want to go back to school to earn an advanced degree.

Master's Degrees Prepare You for Professional Success

In many fields, an online M.B.A. or other master's degree program is tailored toward your immediate goals. Fields like business, education, or counseling often require master's degrees for promotion into management or leadership positions.

If you're looking at a master's degree, there are three solid reasons to move forward:

• Increased earnings potential
• Greater marketability in an already tough job market
• More career options

An online M.B.A. program can certainly qualify you for advancement in just about any career. No matter your field, researching potential schools is essential. Consider these tips for evaluating M.B.A. degree programs.

When Do You Need a PhD?

Perhaps a master's degree doesn't match your career goals. In some fields--especially research-based disciplines--a doctoral degree is necessary to reach the top. Start by researching potential schools where you can earn your doctorate.

Depending on your career goals, you may look over PhD degree programs that lead to an academic doctorate or a professional doctorate. If you plan to work in a corporate setting, earning a professional doctoral degree may be the best option for you. If you aspire to teach or do research, earning an academic PhD prepares your for work in colleges, universities, and laboratories.

Preparing for Graduate Studies

Before moving ahead in your PhD or master's degree work, you'll need to consider whether you have completed the prerequisites for post-graduate study, typically an undergraduate education with a focus in the core elements of your chosen field. Some programs may also require a certain amount of work experience. Online programs can help you maintain your professional connections while updating your credentials. ( jobs employment )