Retirement Living Resources

Learning Never Ends

An article from the AARP website

Going back to school doesn't mean putting your life on hold while you complete a college degree. It can be as simple as taking a computer class at the community college, participating in distance learning sessions from home, or getting on-the-job training through volunteer work. No matter what your age, returning to school can help you start a new career or do a better job in your current career.

Plan School Return Carefully

It's important to plan your return to school carefully. First, decide what your career goals are. Then, find out what kind of training you'll need to meet those goals.

You can get help in setting your training goals by interviewing someone who already works in your chosen field. Read professional journals and visit Internet sites to learn about the skills required for a particular career. Talk with friends and family about your training plans. Visit your community's "One Stop Career Center" to learn about training and educational programs.

Be sure you have the time and money to take training classes. In addition, make sure the training you choose will improve your chances of getting a promotion or a new job.

Go Back to School by Going Online

Thanks to computers, you can now take courses, complete a certificate program, or finish a college degree from the comfort of your own home. Many educational institutions provide "distance learning" classes through special computer programs, the Internet, and satellite technology.

Distance learning is not for everyone. You will need to be organized and disciplined. You'll do better if you choose a course that lets you learn at your own pace. Make sure you'll be able to interact with your instructor regularly through videoconferences, electronic chat rooms, e-mail, or the telephone.

Discover Distance Learning Resources

Several Web sites can help point you to online sources that will provide you with skills in very specific areas:

The Distance Education and Training Council
This organization serves as a clearinghouse of information about distance education.

Yahoo
This search engine is a good place to start learning more about distance education. You'll find links here to a number of distance-learning programs.

Get New Job Skills by Volunteering

Some volunteers hold very responsible positions in their organizations. They manage community programs, write grant applications, train other volunteers, and counsel clients.

If you're seeking particular job skills, consider learning those skills while you perform a volunteer job. When you meet with the organization's representative, be honest and direct about your expectations. Find out whether you will be able to learn the skills you need while helping the organization meet its goals. Make sure you'll receive proper training. Find out if someone at the organization will guide you and provide feedback on your work.

Be sure to document your entire volunteer experience. Keep a journal to record your learning progress and achievements. Save your training certificates, awards and letters of appreciation, and samples of your work. Most importantly, enjoy your time as a volunteer.

Discover AARP Volunteering Resources

AARP offers information on several volunteer outlets that you could use to learn new skills. Follow this link to learn more.