The Higher Education Trap.

by Angela Copeland | May 4, 2015 | Advice, Newsletter

You’d be surprised at how often someone says, “Angela, I’ve decided to go back to school. My resume just doesn’t have the right education to land me the job I want. I know my current degree is standing in my way.”

Don’t get me wrong; I’m a big supporter of higher education. I earned bachelor and master’s degrees from well-respected institutions, and I can attest that my degrees have been a huge help to me.

But, if you’ve already completed your education and have been in the workforce for some time, you may want to take a second look at this idea.

Why are you considering going back to school? Is it because you love to learn? Do you want to switch to a field like legal, medical, or architecture where specific degrees are required? Or, do you believe that a new degree will transform your job search?

If you like to learn, or if a degree is required in your new field, I’m with you. I understand why you want to go back.

If you don’t want to work in a field where a specific degree is required, and you do believe your job search will be transformed, it’s time to ask a few questions.

The reason I say this is because all too often, people spend years of their time and many thousands of their dollars financing a second education. Upon graduation, they’re surprised to find out their search is just as tough as it was before. But, now, they have student loans to pay back.

No matter which degree you have, finding the right job is still hard work.

If you’re thinking of returning to school, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

1. Why do I want to go back to school? Again, do you want to learn, is a degree required, or are you betting that a new degree will change your odds?
2. Is a degree really required for the new field I want to get into? Setup informational interviews with people in the field you want to work in. Ask them about how they got there. Find out what they studied in college and graduate school.
3. How well respected is the school I want to attend? So many people I speak with have obtained an advanced degree through an online program. After graduation, they’re shocked to learn that many employers don’t recognize their hard work. They don’t get a promotion or a pay raise.
4. What’s the average salary of graduates from my desired program? Many universities share the starting salaries of their graduates with the public. When you begin to compare them, you’ll be surprised at how wide the range is, depending on the school you select.
5. What is the return on investment for this program? There are many calculators online to help you with this question. You give up money for tuition, and sometimes you’re giving up a paycheck while you’re in school, and all as you pay for yourself to live. How much will you have to sacrifice financially to go back to school? How much will you gain in return (a.k.a. a salary bump) upon graduation?
6. Is my job search truly going to be impacted by a new degree? Be honest with yourself. Are you failing at your search because of your education, or because of your approach?
7. Do I have realistic expectations? Do you clearly understand what you’re giving up, what your goals are, and what you expect long term from your degree? Have you thought through this decision carefully?

If you feel comfortable with your responses to these questions, by all means, go back to school. In fact, start applying soon as many deadlines are fast approaching. But, do your best to not allow education to be the crutch that’s holding you back from pursuing the job of your dreams. Going back to school for the wrong reasons is a very expensive lesson to learn.

On tomorrow’s episode of the Copeland Coaching Podcast, I interview Roger Johnson, Director of Individual Giving at the Seattle International Film Festival. Roger started his own career in a very different area and has since worked for a number of organizations. Check out the podcast on Tuesday to learn how Roger was able to switch to from one industry to another, and from for-profit to non-profit. It just might inspire your own search!

I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.

Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher.

Happy hunting!

Angela Copeland

@CopelandCoach

Stop hiding behind your internet browser.

by Angela Copeland | Apr 27, 2015 | Advice, Newsletter

When I meet with a new job seeker, I can assess pretty quickly how easy or difficult their job search may be. It’s clear if the entire thing may be painful for them, and how long it might really take. You may wonder how I’m able to do this.

Is it the candidate’s education that tips me off?

Is it their awesome work history?

Their stellar college grade point average?

Their height, weight, or wardrobe?

No. It’s none of these things. None.

The number one top indicator of success for job searching is tied to fear. You heard me: FEAR.

Even the most accomplished of individuals feel it. It’s a lot like the fear of rejection when you go on a first date. The unknown alone can make you want to stay home in your comfortable slippers and robe, hiding behind your television and watching a movie.

Candidates who have the fastest success are those who release their fear, including:

• Fear of being rejected by a company
• Fear of applying for the wrong job
• Fear of meeting new people
• Fear of failing at an interview
• Fear of looking dumb

Does letting go of the fear mean the person doesn’t ever fail? No. It doesn’t.

It does mean however that they reframe their situation. They open themselves up to possibilities. And, when they do fail, they realize that it’s just practice for the next time.

And, after enough practice, they knock it out of the park. Every time.

Unfortunately, in today’s world of the internet, we’re able to calm our job search fears in a way that seems totally logical.

The new normal is for a company to ask you to apply online. Even if you can get someone on the phone from human resources, they will undoubtedly ask you to send your resume via their website.

This easy process allows you to not put yourself out there. You send your resume online, and soon forget about the entire thing. And, interestingly enough, the company forgets about you too.

The number one way to land a job is through networking. Think about it. How did you get your last job? Chances are pretty good, you didn’t just apply online. You probably knew someone. Or, you reached out to the company.

This kind of in person reaching out is risky. It’s where rejection happens. It’s where fear lives.

But, it’s also where success happens. If you can put away your fear, at least temporarily, you’ll find your job search will go much faster, and much more smoothly. You’ll find more success. And, you’ll get better offers than those who are smarter, have more experience, and are more attractive. Why? Because, you’re the one who’s set your fear aside and opened yourself up to new possibilities.

I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.

Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher.

Happy hunting!

Angela Copeland

@CopelandCoach