6 Ways to Evaluate Any Green, Sustainability Training Programs
|
|
| Green Career Tip of the Week |
An education isn't how much you have committed to memory,
or even how much you know. It's being able to differentiate
between what you do know and what you don't.
Anatole France (1844 - 1924)
Every few weeks we receive an inquiry asking about a particular training program—is it a good program? Should I invest in this for my future? The best way I can answer questions on this topic is to share how to evaluate training programs. So that's the focus of today's newsletter.
Getting two copies of our newsletter? Scroll to the bottom for instructions on how to modify your subscription
|
|
Tip of the Week: 6 Ways to Evaluate Any Green, Sustainability Training Programs
Every few weeks we receive an inquiry asking about a particular training program--is it a good program? Should I invest in this for my future?
These training programs range from independent technology training programs to graduate programs in sustainability. Unfortunately I don't know of any sites that have a complete listing of every training program that exists, let alone reviews of those schools.
The best way I can answer questions on this topic is to share how to evaluate training
programs. So that's the focus of today's newsletter.
Question: I am wondering if anyone has reviews of the XYZ training program. I have met with them, but I am not sure if this program is as good as it says it is.
My Response:
1) Know Your Career Goal - Before you can determine if a training program is a good fit for you, you must have a sense of where you are headed with your own career. What is your goal? Will having this training on your resume and this new level of knowledge make you more competitive for your target position.
If you don't know what you want to do, please take a moment to consider this larger question.
Just finishing a training program doesn't magically lead you to a job. You must build an entire package to share in your resume, including experience, a viable network, and perhaps even other certifications. It's not possible to wing this!
2) Compare Programs - Although there may be only one or two training options in your local area, it's important to cast a wider net as you evaluate your options. Start by getting a firm grasp on what's covered in the training programs you are considering. Then do a broader search to find other schools with a similar focus. How do the programs compare? Although you'll never find identical programs, this comparison may point out strengths or gaps in the programs in your area.
One more point: If you don't understand terminology, topics, and relevancy, invest some time in researching your target field. Before you register for a program, it's essential that you understand exactly why you need to learn what's included in the training program.
Don't make the assumption that the training organization must know what's needed.
Don't abdicate your own power over your future!
3) Accreditation - Determine if the training program is accredited in any way. When you
find the accreditation organization, do some research to find out how reputable that
organization is.
4) What Do Previous Students Say - Read the site's testimonials, but don't stop there. Look for graduates' success stories.
If you don't see any, ask if you can talk with a few graduates. (Keep in mind that the testimonials you hear about through the school may be ultra-positive.)
Do a search on your browser with the "name of the program" + review. (As you scan these reviews, remember these may skew in the negative direction.)
Put the name of the training program into the search field on LinkedIn. (If you can find someone you know or get a referral to someone who has taken the training, you may learn more specifics through conversation. Be sure to ask questions to clarify any contradictory information you are discovering in the other reviews you've read.)
5) Read the Fine Print - Look for their refund policy and whether your credits will be
transferable. I'd definitely read any and all details you can find. If you aren't getting all the details you need, ask questions. Lots of questions if necessary! You definitely don't want to be surprised after completing your training.
6) Business Structure - The training organization's structure is important to ascertain. Is the training organization a non-profit or for profit? Is it privately run or run through the state's education system or workforce development department. This information may help you understand how the fees are structured and what funding options are, or not, available.
Fees and Costs - Study the site to determine what your investment will be. If you'll need to travel to bootcamps or residency weekends, take those costs into account as you evaluate your investment.
Funding Options - Are there any options to reduce the fees (i.e., early registration, registering for more than one course at a time, discount for members of your professional association) or are there ways to get a scholarship or loan?
WARNING
Training programs do not (and cannot) guarantee employment at the other end of the program. Training programs don't create jobs...they train people to fill positions offered by local companies. If local companies aren't quite ready to hire you, then you need have a back up plan.
BEFORE you register for a training program, talk with people who are working in the field you want to enter. Ask the following questions:
-"How did you get your training?"
-"What do you know about _______ training program?"
-"Will the program provide me with adequate training and preparation to enter the field?"
-"Are there other training programs I should investigate and consider? "
YOU need to do the research to understand exactly how the training you are considering will make you attractive to companies hiring in your area. Keep in mind that it's possible there will be a time lag between when you finish training and when employers need you. Knowing this upfront will help you make good strategic decisions for your short-term employment needs and your long-term career goals.
Copyright 2011, Transition Dynamics Enterprises, Inc
|
Green Career Central Blogs
|
|
|
|
Are You Ready to Make a
Smooth, Successful Transition
into YOUR Green Career?
Are you struggling to figure out what actions to take next?
You are not alone! This is the biggest problem I see in my work with experienced professionals who want to transition their skills into a green career. When you don't know what to do next, you have a hard time getting the traction needed to reach your goal.
It doesn't have to be this hard! With a simple map you'll understand:
- What your very first step should be and how that one step makes the rest of your search much easier.
- Where to look for viable opportunities to make a difference in the green economy
- Why you're confused about your next steps and how that's sabotaging your results
- 2 essential questions to ask yourself to get the results you want
"Ready...Set...Go! Jump Start Your Green Career"
|
|
About Us
Green Career Central(TM) is an online coaching and resource center designed to help mid-career professionals, students, new grads, and career counselors make sense of the green economy and the green job market.
Carol McClelland, PhD, author of the award-winning, Green Careers For Dummies, is one of the nation's leading green career experts and founder of Green Career Central. Throughout her career, Carol has helped thousands of people find careers that match their values and interests.
Copyright (c) Transition Dynamics Enterprises, Inc. 2007-2011.
All Rights Reserved.
Green Career CentralR is a trademark of
Transition Dynamics Enterprises, Inc
PO Box 354, Menlo Park, CA 94026
|
|
Subscriber Information
We distribute two editions of our newsletter. One for green career seekers and one for career counselors and coaches. To determine which edition you are receiving, click on the link below to change subscriber options.
Green Career Seekers - receive the "greencareer" edition
Career Counselors and Coaches - receive the "careercounselor" edition
If this newsletter has been forwarded to you, you are welcome to sign up to receive your own copy:
If you wish to be taken off this list simply scroll to the end of this newsletter for your subscription update options.
|
|
