40: Going back to school for a career change

Did you know? 48% of U.S. employers offer undergraduate or graduate tuition assistance as a benefit? This means you can start making your career change NOW while you’re still at your current job! 

When Weavy Garcia’s company offered an MBA program to their employees, he went for it. It was an opportunity to learn about business, get his master’s, and switch from IT into sales, a more lucrative option for him. 

In this throwback episode, Weavy recalls what it was like to go back to school for 18 months while working full-time and how it affected his family life. 

Weavy shares how his MBA and IT experience have secured his future and how networking played a key role in making his career change. 


Episode Highlights:

• Applying for an employer-sponsored degree program
• Earning a degree to diversify
• Going back to school while working full-time
• Staying motivated
• Leaving to grow your career
• How to network socially
• Networking to open doors
• Pros and cons of alternating between two fields 
• Securing your future with a higher degree

Weavy’s podcast: The Uncanny Coconuts

Weavy’s drone business: FlyTechGuy Drone Services

48% of U.S. employers offer tuition assistance:
Press release for 2023 SHRM Employee Benefits Survey

Resources:

10 Best Master’s Degrees for Career Changers: 

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/best-masters-degrees-for-career-change

 

These Fortune 500 companies will help pay for employee MBAs:

https://fortune.com/education/business/articles/2021/07/15/these-fortune-500-companies-will-help-pay-for-employees-mba/

 

50 Companies with Amazing Tuition Reimbursement Programs:

https://myscholly.com/50-companies-with-amazing-tuition-reimbursement-programs/

 

25+ Companies with Tuition Reimbursement Programs:

https://getschooled.com/article/5206-companies-with-great-tuition-reimbursement-programs/

 

How to Use—and Ask For—Employer Tuition Reimbursement Benefits:

https://extension.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-use-and-ask-for-employer-tuition-reimbursement-benefits/

Music credit: TimMoor from Pixabay

Podcast info:
What's your career switch? What do you think about this episode and the show? Tell us at careerswitchpod.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.