A reader asks: “I have over the past years taken many Administrative Diploma Courses at a private college, but find that my training is not as recognized as I would want it to be. In 2007, I went back to another private college where I completed a diploma program to be trained as a Law Clerk, and was still not able to land a job, not even in a related field. I did some research and found out that most employers do not regard private training as enough training. Why does the education ministry allow these institutions to charge so much money for tuition, and in return students like myself are hung out to dry after they graduate?”

An education in education

You are not alone with your dilemma. Many people are enticed into private career colleges by glitzy sales pitches, fancy brochures, and persuasive websites. Unfortunately, not all private schools are created equally. There is a wide range of options available, and as with most things, some are better suited to your needs than others.

Research is key

Before you spend the time, energy, and money, you need to find out as much as possible about your educational options. You appear to have done some research, but it was regrettably after the fact. Look online at competitive analyses (many business magazines love to rank schools of all kinds), talk to professional associations, and most importantly, talk to industry professionals.

The pros know best

Industry professionals will know which institutions have the best reputations in the industry. It may seem unfair perhaps, but there are prejudices that can sometimes develop in particular industries. It is your job to find out which are the most accepted institutions among the hiring managers.

Get the most from your former institutions

As an alumni of these schools, you should talk frankly to them about your experiences and the feedback you have received so far. They may be able to point you in the right direction to employers in your field that do value the education provided by their institutions. Many have career placement facilities that help their alumni to find jobs, hopefully in the industry for which they studied. You should not allow them to “hang you out to dry”. You deserve better.

Do the best with what you’ve got

Education is just one part of what you bring to potential employers. Don?t let yourself focus on that side to the detriment of the other benefits you bring to the table. If you have related experience, make sure to put that front and centre on your resume.

Spice it up with something more

To add some substance to the educational portion of your resume, consider enrolling in some relevant courses at the institutions that do have more clout with hiring managers. Place that first in your education section. This will at least acknowledge that you know which institutions matter, and “get it”. Your past schooling will then enhance your current education.

Good luck!

Mitchell Stephenson M.A., CPCC, is a senior partner and a certified professional career counsellor at Catalyst Careers, a career transition, counselling, and outplacement firm. Mitch has been involved in human resources, career counselling and coaching in the health and legal sectors for many years. To contact him, visit: www.catalystcareers.ca.

Disclaimer: Advice and recommendations are based on limited information provided and should be used as a guideline only. Neither the author nor CharityVillage.com make any warranty, express or implied, or assume any legal liability for accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information provided in whole or in part within this article.