Required continuing education is a drain on your time, energy and finances.  How is it possible you are required to participate in continuing education for a job you already know how to do?  This requirement doesn’t make sense – or, does it?

Unfortunately, most adults don’t see a reason for continuing education once formal class work is completed.  We make this decision for many reasons.  You may decide you know enough about your profession and don’t need to continue to learn.  There may be a point where you begin to coast in your career.  You feel comfortable with your knowledge level and confident career opportunities are plentiful. 

But, are jobs plentiful?  Have you reviewed job ads to assess your skill level?  As proficient as you believe you are, once you begin to review job opportunities you will recognize there are holes in your resume.  You will quickly feel “obsolete”.    Recognize you are not alone.  Many adults are passed over for promotion because their skills are outdated and they have not kept up with current technological requirements in their industry.  We all know layoffs and mergers are an every day occurrence.  But, we are still surprised and unprepared when an unexpected layoff catapults us into job search mode.  It is at this point we discover new skills are necessary to obtain employment at a similar earning level.  It is as this point we recognize options are limited because our skills have not been maintained and we are no longer able to compete in the labor market.  It is at this point we realize the importance of continuing education……   

The majority of individuals pursuing continuing education are adults who recognize education is so much more than a requirement from your industry.  Continuing education is a commitment to lifelong learning and it is a necessity if you are going to stay ahead or rest assured you are not falling behind.  Other reasons for continuing education are increased opportunity for advancement, personal growth and intellectual challenge.  Most importantly, continuing education sets us on the path to achieve our goals and fulfill our dreams.   

The options available for continuing education are endless.  Online education, distance degrees, certificate programs, industry conferences, television learning, brown bag lunch series, workshops, seminars, home study and hands on training are just a few of the available options for learning.

Readers may write to Maureen Kohl Bennington, M.S., CCM, CDMS, CPUR, CRC at mbennington@buildingpeopleinc.com