With a rapidly changing workforce and evolving available job types, it is not uncommon to hear about people who are choosing to redefine their career paths and enroll in continuing education programs. Such programs encompass a range of forms of education available after one has left the formal education system, consisting primarily of part-time courses.
“It’s a great way to keep your skills up-to-date and make yourself more marketable as a professional,” said Cara Ryan, graduate admissions counselor of continuing education at St. Joseph’s College. “It is also a great way to learn a new skill without committing to a full degree program.”
Through specialized degrees and enrichment courses adults can either gain that competitive edge when working to obtain jobs in their existing field, or equip themselves with the skills necessary to propel them in a completely different direction.
“It depends on why people are considering continuing their education,” said Jannette G. Knowles, New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) associate director of extended education “If they are looking to move up in their current company, then just gaining the skills and knowledge and a certificate may be enough. If they are looking to change careers, then we recommend they consider what direction they want to go in and what they enjoy.”
On Long Island in particular, there is no shortage of programs available to people who wish to either enroll in a certificate program or take classes to augment their existing education base. Long Island-based universities such as NYIT, Hofstra University, Adelphi University, LIU Post, Molloy College, St. Joseph’s College, Nassau Community College and Suffolk Community College offer programs with a diverse spectrum of topics to choose from.
Each university and institution has different courses and areas of focus. The programs at Nassau BOCES span almost all interests and include animal sciences, appearance enhancement, automotive technology, business office skills, construction trade, early childhood development, health occupations and information technology.
“Our programs are as diverse as Nassau County is,” said Laura Holder-Gibbs, principal of the Nassau BOCES adult education program. “We’re excited about our new programs in manufacturing, culinary arts, construction trade and our emergency medical technician program. These are all areas where industry is booming.”
The structure of the classes and method of delivery varies between institutions and specific programs, ranging from classroom lectures, to hands-on laboratory activities, to online distance learning. Many schools work to maintain flexible programs that are suitable to people of all needs, ages and circumstances.
The age of those partaking in continuing education programs is anywhere from 18 to 65 and beyond. Across all age demographics, both enrollment and interest in such programs are on the rise.
“Enrollment in Extended Education at NYIT is growing,” said Knowles. “Participants in our programs feel they want to stay up-to-date on the software and trends in their field of interest.”
This trend of increasing enrollment is common to several Long Island institutions. Holder-Gibbs notices a significant concentration of students interested in the manufacturing courses, particularly consisting of young adults with little to no knowledge of the innovative technology associated with the field.
From millennials just entering the workforce to adults who have held professions for years, there is a program suitable for people of all circumstances. Despite any doubts one may have before making the decision to return to school, they should consider the undeniable payoff.
“The Adult Education Program helped me to enhance my skills so that I could accept a job at Delta Airlines,” says Nassau BOCES graduate Sandra Arcila. “I’m getting better pay and working at a more interesting career.”
Christopher Devito, a graduate of the Nassau BOCES welding qualification course, also reflected upon his education fondly stating, “With the training I received, I was able to start my own business. I am currently bidding for state contracts in demolition, fabrication and construction.”
Program directors recommend first researching programs online, then visiting the institutions that contain particular areas of interest to them. The major takeaway is that there is never a wrong time to invest in continuing one’s education, and that the options are nearly limitless.
