Working professionals pursuing higher education

In recent times there has been a wide scope for working professionals to upgrade their qualifications. Whether you want to enhance your technical or managerial skills, you have a large number of institutes to choose from in India and abroad. But the question is whether it is good to pursue a part-time course along with full-time work or to take a break, complete a regular course and then get back to work?

The good news is that organizations are also lending a helping hand to those employees who are interested in pursuing higher studies. “We hire fresh graduates in large numbers and help them pursue further education through distance learning by sponsoring their course fees. In return they serve us for a particular period of time,” informs a HR executive of a BPO firm.

“Part time education is always welcome along with your job. You can add to your knowledge and at the same time do not have to worry on the financial aspect. When you take a break and go for full time studies, there is always an apprehension regarding your placement after completion of the course. If you do not get a good opportunity after struggling for years, you will simply get frustrated wasting both your time and money. Moreover, if you have a family to support, you cannot afford to take this type of risk,” warns an employee working in an MNC.

But there is the other side of the story as well. An IT professional with 3 years of experience who is now taking a break of 1 year and pursuing his MBA abroad says, “If you really want to make a difference in your career you should opt for full- time studies. Enrolling yourself in a course in an open university and attending weekend classes hardly helps you climb up the corporate ladder.” In fact, if you are planning to take a career break and pursue higher studies it is a good idea to do some research regarding the institute you are enrolling in. After all you are doing this course not only to gain knowledge but also to achieve a better grade for yourself in the company you are placed. Reach out to ex- students of the particular institute to gather insider information.

There is no doubt that it is always beneficial to add qualifications after your name in your resume be it for part-time or full-time course. Whether it actually helps you to reach greater heights in your career is of course uncertain but the knowledge that you gain through it will be an asset for you in the years to come.

- Ranjita Chattopadhyay (views expressed in the article are that of the author)