Education continuing in profession is a very important aspect of the development of a professional and is often demanded in a variety of occupations to update certain knowledge or, perhaps, skills. Therefore, mentioning continuing education as a part of your training history could be a very effective method of enhancing your resume and your chances of getting the desired position. In this article, we will guide you on how to list continuing education on a resume and also give you a few tips on how to choose the correct programs and how to get the most out of your continuing education.
Why To List Continuing Education on Resume?
Now, let the journey begin on how one should proceed with adding continuing education to one’s resume; allow us first to discuss why it is very vital. Working organizations always consider individuals who are willing to learn and advance in their career professions. Any employer would consider an applicant who took the time to acquire advancements and newly offered certifications more preferable than an individual who has simply stagnated.
Moreover, continuing education can help you:
- It’s important to continue to learn in the context of one’s practice area.
- Acquire knowledge in a new area of business
- Acquire new information on a certain subject
- Engage with other professions
About Continuing Education on Your Resume
When it comes to adding continuing education to your resume, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
Be concise and relevant
Whenever someone wants to include continuing education on their resume, they should select the programs they want to include carefully. The important and useful programs that relate closely to the sought job should be emphasized. If you have done several courses or programs, then arrange all of them, focusing on their usefulness and significance.
Specific terminology should be employed
Don’t use nebulous and confusing language describing the nature of the program and the skills and knowledge you learned while doing it; it’s your continuing education. Be sure to use action verbs and preferably accompany each with measures of achievement where possible.
Institution, course, and date
It is required to provide the name of the institution, the title of the course, and the date of the program completion. This information is useful for an employer to know the background of the candidate to get the education and the time taken to acquire new knowledge or skills. Just make sure that when you fill in the application, the year you completed the program or the course in the learning process section is present, as it means that you are an active learner.
Highlight on any accolade, recognition, or accomplishments they made
If you were honored with any of the achievements while undergoing your continuing education, then you should include them on your resume. This not only values your performance but also brings extra points to your application.
Make modifications to the resume you are submitting based on a given job opening
In other words, when using continuing education to update your resume, it is important that it is done to suit the position being sought. The important courses and programs as well as the skills should be highlighted that are closely related to the given position or job market. In doing so, you also establish what is expected of you should you be selected for the position, and this makes you an ideal candidate for the job.
Factors to Consider when Selecting Continuing Education Programs
Continuing education means continuous improvement, and the selection of the right program will enhance your benefits.
Here are some tips to help you select the most appropriate programs for your needs:
- Identify your career goals
- Research relevant programs
- Also bear in mind your preferred way of learning as well as your timetable.
- Search for certification that is perceptible in the industry
- Job seekers should benefit from what employers offer in terms of learning.
What do you want to achieve in your career?
The first step in making the right programs to pursue in the next phase of their learning is to determine the career direction they would like to go. It means that when you know the direction you wish to take in your career, you can choose the courses and programs to take to meet those goals. This could involve learning to develop certain skills, gaining the knowledge to increase one’s specialties to a certain extent or building up a list of contacts in particular industry.
It is necessary to study the existing programs
Once you’ve figured out your career aspirations, it is time to consult literature on continuing education programs. Also try and find out whether any courses or programs in your field are recognized and from an accredited institution. Other factors may include the reputation of the instructors delivering the contents and success rate out of students who have been through that specific program in getting the intended employment.
Self-organization for your learning style and time table
When choosing continuing education programs for yourself it is crucial to take into account your approach to studying and your time table. The way that a programme is best delivered may depend on the type of learner; some programmes may be best delivered by a self-paced approach while others may require more formal delivery. Also, think about whether the program works well with your agenda and the traffic that you will be freely available to put in your time and effort.
Get certified skills
Certification actually raises your value in the eyes of potential employers and shows dedication to the field. Find programs that have issues with accredited certifications relevant to your preferred industry because this may make employers hire you.
Capitalise on employer-provided changes
In today’s working world, most companies provide contingencies for their workers to find a way to receive further schooling, whether by covering the costs of college classes or supplying particular programs for improved instruction. These are the opportunities that are easily available for one to gain more skills and knowledge and also show an employer that you are willing to learn in the organization.
How to get the Best out of Your Continuing Education
In addition to choosing the right programs and including them on your resume, there are several other ways to make the most of your continuing education experience:
- Build a positive and professional relationship with your instructors, teachers, and classmates
- Use the acquired concepts in your current employment or career area.
- Always highlight your achievements on your resume and your personal profiles
- Try and apply the acquired skill and understanding to the betterment of your field.
Communicate with other instructors and your fellow students
Other people’s success stories, as well as teachers and fellow students, can act as valuable contacts and sources of information. Class meetings, group/individual discussions, and consultations from instructors and other students. For the same, you might just make friendships that will be beneficial to you in your chosen field.
Use your knowledge in your current place of work
Among the measures every learner should consider taking to get the best from their continuing education is to practice in their current workplace. In this way, you can show that you are worthy of the salary that you are being paid and, meanwhile, gain useful experience that can help you move up the career ladder.
Make your achievements highlighted on your resume and social media platforms
Don’t forget to update your resume and your social media accounts with the achievements that you have received from your continuing education. In doing so, you can show readiness for career development, and thus, work can consider you a valuable employee. Give the name of the course, the institute attended, the years attended with the relevant honors, achievements, etc.
Apply the skills and knowledge gained from your program to transform the practice of your industry
Last but not the least it is suggested to apply your newly learnt skills and knowledge and make some difference in the industry or the area which you are working for. Such can be in form of volunteering, article writing and publication, being a guest speaker at conferences and seminars or participating in other professional activities. By doing so, you should be able to position yourself as an expert and help add value to your employer.
If one wants to stay relevant in the current labor force, it is a positive step to continue education as a feature of your working life. Mastery of the programmes and careful approach to additional educational experiences, as well as proper concentration on this aspect in the resume, can improve your value for potential employer several times and increase the probabilities of obtaining the desired vacancy. Following these guidelines mentioned in this guide, you will be in perfect path for career and life happiness and achievement.
John Smith
Introducing John Smith: Your Expert Resume Writer, Cover Letter Specialist, and Career Coach. Meet John Smith, your dedicated partner in crafting the perfect resume, compelling cover letter, and charting your career path to success. With a passion for helping individuals reach their professional aspirations, John brings a wealth of expertise to the table as a resume writer, cover letter specialist, and career coach.
