Most workers will experience three significant career changes in their working life. Many will face these changes like a cork bobbing in water, letting the next move come about by accident. Sometimes it works out well; sometimes it doesn’t. The best way to take charge is by taking control of your own education. 

There are some common approaches to training. First, an employer might provide help with training and education so staff can do their current job better. This can make the business less wasteful and more profitable, but it hardly “future proofs” the employee in the event of career change. They could move to another company, but only to do the same job. 

Another type of training is driven by the individual, who looks at where they want to be in, say, five years’ time, whether either in the same company or the same industry. In many cases, senior managers will start by looking at a Master of Business Administration (MBA). 

An MBA is a degree that prepares a person for higher management. It gives them a broad range of skills across the entire scope of “higher” business. Much of the work toward an MBA is done in groups. This can be frustrating. You can get the feeling that your eventual mark is controlled by others, who might not be working as hard as you. The point with an MBA is getting you used to working in groups and managing people. 

Another type of Masters in Business would specialise in a business area, such as strategy, accounting, marketing or technology. These degrees are more likely going to be based in individual work, perhaps with only a few group projects. This type of higher degree is perfect if you have identified where you want to go in your next career move. The great thing about specialised Masters degree programs is that you can mix and match subjects to become uniquely skilled. 

A third type of training is a complete life change. A person takes on a course on topics that simply interest them. Enrolling in a course that doesn’t have a direct relationship to your current job will still add to your general knowledge. It makes you a more knowledgeable person. This may show future employers you have multiple interests and skills. 

Phillip Lawrence is a PhD scholar, consultant and speaker who specialises in print and the environment

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