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Gaining additional qualifications may be an excellent way to boost your employability. The trick is to choose training that relates directly to your career or develops transferable skills. Conversion coursesSome jobs require specific qualifications. If you have not completed a first degree in a relevant subject, you may be able to undertake a postgraduate or conversion course to achieve your goals. Be aware that admissions tutors may expect successful applicants to offer relevant experience as part of the entry criteria. Popular jobs in this category include: - law (solicitor or barrister);
- teaching;
- social work;
- psychology;
- nursing;
- information technology.
To find out the qualification requirements of any job and see whether further study is likely to benefit you, read the relevant occupations in explore types of jobs. These profiles also include suggested vacancy sources. Browsing current and recent vacancy advertisements is a useful part of your job seeking strategy because you see levels and types of qualifications that employers in your field demand. back to top Professional postgraduate coursesSome professionally accredited postgraduate courses offer exemptions from parts of professional qualifications. Such courses tend to have a heavy focus on the essential knowledge and skills needed for success in the job, so they may be extremely attractive to employers. However, these additional qualifications are not a common requirement for entry. Though many people choose to study out of love for their subject, many will be hoping for a career boost. Research the destinations of previous graduates before making a decision. Postgraduates may receive a salary premium, but often find themselves competing for jobs with first degree graduates, who have just as much chance of success. back to top Broadening your skillsA short course may improve your skill set. Short courses may be full time, part time or self-study, so you may fit it around work and other activities. You might brush up your French, study a new language, revise maths or learn how to use spreadsheets. Courses in languages, maths and IT skills are frequently offered at every level. Enquire about adult education at your local college, through Learndirect, or visit your local library to find resources that enable you to teach yourself. back to top Funding your studiesYou may be surprised to hear that, despite many courses being expensive, the majority of postgraduate students are self-funding. Successful completion of your Masters or PhD does not guarantee you a job. You need to balance the cost, in terms of time and money, with the practical usefulness of the qualification. Learn employers’ expectations to help you decide whether further study provides you with the right kind of long-term return on your investment. Some courses, including some teaching qualifications, accelerated social work degrees and courses for health professionals, attract a bursary or other funding. Many courses also have institutional funding attached. You may need a separate funding application when you apply for a course. Always ask about potential sources of funding when enquiring about courses and see funding my further study for advice. Many employers sponsor continuing education by staff members. This usually applies if a course is directly related to work. Support ranges from flexible working hours to paying for a part-time or full-time course or a sabbatical from your job. Lower-level and short courses are usually more affordable. If you are currently out of work, or need to improve key skills like maths, English and IT, you may be eligible for free or subsidised courses
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