When considering how best to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to further their
career, most people think of university. But if you already have a degree to your name, or
simply don’t thrive best in a traditional education environment, you may want to explore other
options.
Alternative education
There are many different ways to broaden your job horizons outside of university. Though
the ideal route is unique for each individual, some popular methods include:
Traineeships: This is a great option if you don’t yet have the experience or qualifications to
enrol in a full apprenticeship. This training course (typically lasting several months) is unpaid,
but you should be reimbursed for expenses, and will leave equipped with the industry basics.
Targeted learning: If you are seeking to hone your skillset, hunting out relevant courses and
training programmes in your particular field could be the answer. Kaplan, for example, offer
further education in accounting and finance. By granting you access to expert resources,
they arm you with the tools necessary to reach your goals, both business and personal.
Apprenticeships: This is the combination of long-term study and practical training on-the-job.
The benefit of first-hand experience, specialist guidance, and a steady wage, has seen
apprenticeships boom in popularity, with the government recently announcing an additional £
90 million in funding for the scheme. This should see improvements in the quality and
quantity of places available.
Entry-level jobs: Many people opt to start at the bottom and work their way up. It’s an ideal
method of learning about your chosen industry from the inside.
Internships: Work experience that can last anywhere from a few days to a whole year, an internship is a brilliant way to try out a role that interests you before you commit to full-time
work or study in that field.
The importance of continued learning
The drive to chase self-improvement is a valuable life skill in and of itself. With technologies, the economy, and business practices constantly evolving, it’s vital you stay up-to-date; equipped with all the latest skills and knowledge. Not only can this lead to great personal satisfaction, it’s the best way to remain employable, opening doors for professional development.
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