The humidity is still in the air and swimming pools are still the place to be, but there is an undercurrent of talk about going back to school. Retailers made the transition back to school very apparent as they debuted this fall’s school supplies in June. Akin to seeing Halloween candy stocked in August, the realization of the summer ending seems to come earlier every year.

School kids have a natural succession in grades, but how about the post-graduate? Some professions require Continuing Education Units (CEUs) just to maintain certifications. Many employers in the healthcare field, financial world, education sphere or law arena require participation in continuing education programs and must complete programs to continue practicing. CEUs help employees improve their skills and stay current with new field-specific technology, laws and regulations.

Even if you are not required to pursue continuing education units, there are many benefits in choosing to take a CEU or graduate class (or two.) Educationcorner.com says additional education increases your marketability. Employees who “obtain graduate degrees improve promotion opportunities and can qualify for higher wages. It is often required to complete specialized training to quality for certain jobs, such as management or administration positions.” Voluntarily bettering your education shows commitment to your field and perhaps even your company. Online CEUs and graduate classes can make furthering your education a more flexible option.

If you are thinking of changing careers, continuing education is a great way to learn new skills. Maybe you are considering transitioning out of the workforce; continuing education can teach you other skills that you could put into a locum tenens-type opportunity. Some subjects that interest you personally not only help to transition to a new career, but keep your learning and research skills sharp.

Here are some tips when selecting a CEU or graduate course:

• Be clear on the topic – Before jumping into any program, make sure you know what you’re getting into. Vague class descriptions may yield a class that wastes your time and/or money. Do you understand the content and if it is truly a fit for you? Specifically consider, “What’s in it for me?” What will you be able to do after taking this program? Can you link the outcome(s) to a tangible result in your job? This is obviously crucial if you are taking a mandatory CEU for certification, but is also applicable if you would like this information to move up in your career.
• Who’s in charge? – Is the instructor qualified to present in his/her area of expertise? Do you feel confident that this person can teach you relevant material? Does the instructor disclose relevant financial and non-financial relationships (or lack thereof) related to the course content? Disclosures and biases are important to reveal.
• How do you learn best? – Find out how the program is facilitated – if you learn better in a classroom setting versus completing a course online, make sure you are going the brick and mortar route.
• What does it take to make the grade? – What are the criteria for completing the course and earning the credits? It’s important to know the expectations before you enroll. Make sure you have the proper time to make the grade.
• Who opens the pocketbook – If you are interested in taking CEUs or graduate classes, ask your boss if the company pays for any of the tuition. In addition, research all registration fees and refund/cancellation policies from the teaching institution.