Start with These 5 Questions
Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise, qualify for a promotion, or pivot into a new role, going back to school can be a powerful step forward. But where do you begin?
If you are passionate about the work you do and the population you serve, you may want to take the next step in your career. Here are some helpful questions to consider as you explore undergraduate and graduate degree options in psychology, leadership, or behavioral health. It’s important to do your research and connect with admissions, faculty, students, and your own HR office to get your questions answered.
1. Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement or do they have partnerships with academic institutions?
Determining how you will finance your education is an important part of the process. Whether you are currently working or looking for a new job, this factor is an important benefit to ask your employer about. Some colleges offer scholarships or flexible benefits to employees from partner organizations.
Bierman Autism Centers is proud to highlight our partnership with William James College, which is a school of applied psychology dedicated to serving underserved communities and training culturally competent clinicians. Through this collaboration, Bierman Autism Centers’ employees have access to flexible, work-friendly degrees and certificate programs to advance their careers while they work. Exclusive benefits include reduced tuition, waived application fees, a simplified admission process, and more. Programs include a Bachelor’s Completion Program, an ABA Certificate and Master’s Degree, a Master’s in Counseling, a Master’s and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in School Psychology, a Master’s in Organizational Psychology, and a Doctorate in Leadership Psychology.
2. What types of programs are available in your field?
Before committing to an academic program, ensure the curriculum covers the topics or experiences you’re looking for. Now that you have been working in the field, you know more about what you need to know and where you’d like to expand your knowledge. Research different program offerings to find the best fit for you.
If you choose a general area, you can often take electives or choose a concentration to go deeper into one topic area. It’s also helpful to compare course sequences to see what classes or topics excite you. Many of these programs are designed with working professionals in mind, offering practical skills that can be applied immediately in your current role.
3. What degree or credentials do you need to advance your career?
Schools offer bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees, and certificate programs. Some programs meet licensure qualification, while others are non-licensure. Before you get started, make sure you are choosing a program that will help you reach your goals.
In addition to web research, we encourage you to connect with mentors, either in your organization or within your network, to learn about their career and educational path.
4. What program delivery options are available?
Maybe you’re looking for a part-time option so you can continue working during the semester, or maybe you live in a different state and would prefer your classes be held online. It’s best to check the website and to connect with admissions teams to walk you through which options are available for your program and the type of commitment that is required.
In addition to the website, you can learn more about programs by attending program webinars or open house events, or by setting up a 1/1 call with an admissions counselor.
5. Can you speak to a current student to make sure the program is the right fit for you and your career goals?
There is no better person to speak on the full experience than a student currently in the program. You will be able to ask questions on topics ranging from the application process to course load to how to manage work, school, and life.
William James College has a list of student ambassadors by program. Many students are eager to share their experiences and offer honest insights into the program’s strengths and challenges. You can read about each student and reach out directly by email.
Pursuing further education is a big decision, but with the right support and resources, it can be incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to apply, you’ve already taken the first step by reading this!
William James College and Bierman Autism Centers share a commitment to empowering individuals throughout every step of their career journey. At Bierman, we believe in achieving our mission while catapulting your career to new heights. We offer limitless career growth, best-in-class training, and unparalleled support to help you excel. Rooted in experiential education, William James College equips students with the tools to make an immediate impact and lasting difference in diverse communities and organizations, and with a range of populations around the globe. Together, we are building world-class clinicians who are transforming the future of autism care.
