Education - It is for Everyone

A couple of weeks ago Ellen Griffin, Dean of Continuing Education at Southern New Hampshire University, was a guest on my radio show. The discussion was the increase in baby boomers returning to the classroom, the reasons and the opportunities.

Many are returning to school to increase career opportunities in their current profession, graduate program enrollees have increased as well as certificate programs, others are returning to school in preparation for a career change. People are expecting to stay in the workforce longer, whether it is at their current job or a new career, and keeping current with your industry and increasing your value is necessary to remain competitive.

The ease of learning may also contribute to the rise in boomer enrollment, satellite campuses, workplace classrooms and online courses make it easier to participate and complete study programs. It is possible to complete a degree program online without leaving your house or setting foot in a classroom.

Boomers who attend a live classroom bring something to the table their younger classmate’s lack, real life experience with the subject matter. This can be a plus to someone, who is learning the theoretical workings of an issue, to have the opportunity to hear firsthand the actual application of the theory.

One area in particular that has attracted the attention of baby boomers is community service, this generation has a “give back” attitude and there is interest in bringing their management and leadership skills to the non-profit area.

A Boston Globe article on September 13, 2009 referred to the fact that people are expecting to stay in the workforce longer and fifty year olds consider themselves mid-career. The number of Americans over 65 is expected to grow to 20% of the population by 2030 and to continue to increase meanwhile the younger generations will grow at a slower pace. This will open up opportunities for older workers to continue to stay in the workforce, keeping current through education and training will strengthen their position value.