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Why Education Does Not Stop Upon Getting Your Degree?
By Financial-Shopper-Network.Com
Dec 14, 2007 - 10:46:10 PM

While getting a degree is quite an accomplishment, there is still much to learn in Corporate America. You might have the same job title as someone else at another competing company, but the duties of the position may significantly differ. Therefore, you must be flexible in your approach to learn the ways of your company and how it wishes for you to perform your job. You might even need to return to school, as your job duties could change.

Many people value their education. It is sometimes a prerequisite for being considered for a certain job position (e.g., a law degree to be a lawyer or a medical degree to be a doctor). However, if you are fortunate enough to be hired by a company, you will still need to be trained for your job position. Most companies provide new employees with a “new hire orientation” to introduce these individuals to the company’s culture and provide on-the-job training. It is important to keep an open mind. You might had been an accountant in your last place of employment; however, the accounting work at your new place of employment might not resemble anything like your past experience through education or work.

On the other hand, if this is your first real job after completing your education, you could be headed for an “eye opening” experience. You will likely learn that higher education including college, technical school, or a graduate program may only give you a rough draft of how life in a particular job position might be. Therefore, you should never think that you will learn everything you need to know for the “business world” in the classroom.

Additionally, every industry experiences change. You will need to be in compliance with the laws and regulations of your local, state and federal government and any other regulators of the industry that you work in. It may be a requirement for you to participate in continuing education classes for certain jobs or industries (i.e., doctors or CPAs). Even if you are not required to take continuing education, you might need to return to school for more computer training (e.g., Microsoft Excel or Access), a certification program or to pursue an advanced degree, such as a MBA to help you move up in the corporate world. You do not want your competitors to get the edge on you, whether it be your fellow co-workers or individuals off the street.

Getting an education is a great door opener. It can increase your knowledge in certain areas of business, accounting or specialized fields, such as medicine or the law. However, do not let your degree or certification go to your head. Once you are in a job position, you must become an expert at exceeding your department’s goals, while following the “established rules and regulations” of your company.