What are the best methods of building your resume while working a job with a very unpredictable schedule?

Question

I am exploring the possibility of returning to school for a graduate degree, obtaining a MCSE certification, law school, art school, working a second job or starting a small side business, etc...

I am unsure of the value that going back to a formal school would have in my case. I am currently happily employed as a Sales Consultant in a seasonal business which is also tied into the traditional school year, meaning I am working when normal school is in session. I have the potential to make money at my current position. However I wish to improve my life financially and professionally, thus taking advantage of the free time I get during the slow times of year.

Any Suggestions?

Answer 1

A question to consider in this dilemma is whether you are going back to school for love or for money.

School is expensive so if you are going back for love you have to write it off as a hobby investment knowing that you will be more skilled in an area you have passion for and that that can possibly be converted into money. Frankly, this is the best way to make money if you can figure out the right business model for selling the outcome of the work you love.

If you are going back for money, you have to calculate how likely it is that upon finishing grad school, you will be able to make the money back. You usually can if you have applied yourself well to building a network, gaining marketable knowledge, publishing, using the career services of the college you go to, leveraging the advanced degree on your resume and in interviews, engaging in special interest groups and associations related to your area of study, etc.

Since you have the free time, what else productive are you going to do with it? It cannot hurt if you can add the discipline and drive to finish, to that time. Its grueling but worth it. You will benefit in unexpected ways.

It's also recommended you figure out how you can get your employer to pay for grad school or to find a job where they will. That is how I got through grad school myself.

Also, remember that these days there are so many different ways to go back to school other than the traditional "be in class every week" model. I live in the US and got my graduate degree at a college in London via the internet and periodic live weekends with my professors and classmates.

Good luck!

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