Factors to consider before going back to school

By Peter Kamuri

January is the best time to list youe career goals for the rest of the year. Some of you have decided they want to go back to school and earn that ‘piece of paper’ without terminating their current employment.

Many people return to school, hoping to get promoted or get an increase in pay. However, they may become frustrated when they realise this is not always the case.

But why go back to school if you are already working?

Abraham Wachira, a Quality and Standards officer with the Ministry of education who recently enrolled for a postgraduate degree at Egerton University, says it is essential for career growth.

"One attains confidence in his work, stays intellectual challenged and of course, increases chances of promotion," says Wachira.

Purity Muthamia, a high school teachers had different reasons when she went back to school for a Bachelor of Science Degreee.

"Lack of a degree certificate blocked my way to move to the next job group. I had almost reached the ceiling of my salary bracket. Now my salary has improved substantially," she says.

Although you stand to lose little by expanding your education, you need to understand your options before you decide to go back to school.

Find out if there is a study-leave policy at your workplace. Going back to school may mean you lose some of the most productive years of your life, or lose your pay.

Eyeing a promotion

If you are eying a promotion or a pay rise, consider the number of years you have before retirement.

Moreover, working and going to school at the same time is gruelling. Will you be able to cope with the demands of the training?

And always remember, getting university qualification is not a guarantee to a good job, promotion or a pay rise.

You should also consider the cost of training, and the value you will get after going back to school, and whether the market is saturated with qualified people in the area you want to pursue.

If stuck, discuss your career and educational aspirations with a career counsellor.

You may learn that some goals might be achieved in other ways, without going back to school.