Not all travelers take the same route

When it comes to finding and maintaining a career in 2016, there's no map. Many established professionals are surprised to find that their journey is leading them back to school.

Most who enrol in higher education are hoping to upgrade their skill-set, transition into another industry or further pursue a passion for enjoyment or entrepreneurial success. This is where Mount Royal University (MRU) Continuing Education helps provide some direction.

Paul Gray changed his course from a career in Oil and Gas Accounting to a Personal Fitness Trainer (PFT). Like any good traveler, he kept his eyes up along the trail and noticed, “I would have stayed in that career if I could do it for three days a week, but they kept hiring younger.”

When choosing a new route, like Paul, you might be in a position to step in to one of MRU Continuing Education's full time programs like the Education Assistant Certificate, Massage Therapy, Funeral

Director Certificate, or as Paul did, a Personal Fitness Trainer Diploma. These designations provide the opportunity of mostly in-class learning on campus that gives many returning and mature students a welcome sense of camaraderie. “The support I received from my fellow students both in the year I started and the year I finished was exceptional.” Paul admits, “I am so appreciative for this program, the instructors, the MRU facility and my fellow students. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

As unforeseen as life's twists and turns may be, there's always a new opportunity around every corner. For some, there are entire fields that have been created since they were last in a classroom. Some are upgrading their skills, and themselves, with technology-based courses. With a rise in offerings like Social Media for Business, Technical Writing, and Introductory Computer Courses (including courses for Mac Basics, Microsoft PowerPoint and Wordpress) there are more people creating and engaging with global prospects through access to the Internet.

Kofi Waife had hit a ceiling in his chosen field of manufacturing. He chose to get into another aspect of his industry taking the Supply Chain Management Certificate. Supply Chain and the Advanced Supply Chain Management Certificates are part of MRU's blended offerings where some of the courses are completed online and some portions are taught in the classroom. The flexibility of course delivery allowed him to continue working while earning his new distinction. He said, “Committing yourself to a program while working full-time really shows the type of drive a person has.”

Like many, he was apprehensive with the in-class portion, “Even though I knew that going back to school would be a scary thing to do, the reward that would come after was greater than the fear.” In the end, his motivation for change was strong. He chose to pursue it, “for the growth, for the career development, personal satisfaction and,” he adds, alluding to his new salary, “it's financially rewarding.”

It's people like Kofi that are breaking through their personal ceilings and boosting enrolment in programs like Pillars of Management, Project Management in Construction and Non-Profit Management. After a short stint in school, their new path is leading them to greater heights on the corporate ladder.

Whether pursuing a passion or launching an entrepreneurial venture like Paul or upgrading skills and transitioning into another industry like Kofi, there is no set map. You must create your own career path. The diverse courses, certifications and diplomas at Mount Royal University Continuing Education might just be the guide you need to take your next step.

Visit mru.ca/conted to learn more about Mount Royal University's Continuing Education programs.