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MESSAGE FROM MARIKA  Summer is at it's peak, and fall is just around the corner. Even for those of us who've been out of school for years, back to school time is a season of new beginnings and renewed dedication and focus.
For many of my clients in the entertainment industry, the temptation to reinvent themselves is strong in this economy, and going back to school can seem like an obvious choice for picking up new skills and credentials. Before you head off to get another degree or certificate, take a look at my guidelines for deciding whether or not formal schooling is the right move for you.
Enjoy August! |
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One of the most exciting parts of my job is working with clients as they evolve their careers, honing in on their most authentic purpose and path. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a person take control of his or her destiny, transforming raw natural talent into career satisfaction and financial gain.
What makes the entertainment business unique is that not only are people constantly reinventing their careers (and by extension themselves), the industry actually rewards you for it. Though many people assume that going back to school is the solution to the challenge of finding a new angle or direction, there are a few things to consider before you decide that continuing education is right for you.
Five questions to ask yourself before heading back to school:
Why are you considering returning to school?This is the number one question I ask clients when they bring up the topic. Is there a specific title or certification that you're going for that will actually further your career, or are you just hoping that more schooling will somehow help you figure out what to do next? There are good and less good reasons for making the decision to go back to school, and they differ for everyone. The important thing is to know what your reasons are.
Who is motivating the decision? It's no secret that the entertainment industry has a reputation for being fickle. I often hear people say, "My spouse/children/friends think it might be time for me to get a real job." Ask yourself if looking into school is really your idea. If it's not, ask yourself why you need this other person's approval. Remember, your career is yours, and you will have to live with the consequences of whatever decision you make.
How do my finances look? School is expensive and potentially risky. Depending on the program or training that you choose, you could find yourself in a situation of diminishing returns. Think of it as an investment. Taking your emotions out of it, consider whether will this pay for itself when you've completed it. Is the debt worth taking on? Someone will have to pay the price for more schooling, whether it comes from an outside source such as family, scholarships or from loans drawn against your future earnings. Consider what you're comfortable with and how a potential debt load will effect your life once you're out of school.
What will my career look like after I finish school? When investing time, money and energy into furthering your education, it is vital to give some thought to exactly what you will do with your new degree. Is there a way that you can get to where you want to be without going back to school? Do you actually want to practice the skill or philosophy that you will be learning?
Where in my life will I feel the effects of this decision? Will the decision effect those that I'm responsible for? In what ways? By the time further education becomes an option for many of us, a significant other or dependents may be in the picture. How will this effect the lifestyle of those around you? Will their lives change for the better or worse? Do the long term gains outweigh the short-term sacrifices for your family or loved ones?
All of these questions and more are important to consider -- but remember, only you can make the final call. School could be a red herring, or it could be just the ticket for launching you into the next phase of your career!
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The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change
~ Carl Rogers
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 ABOUT MARIKA HULL
CERTIFIED EXECUTIVE COACH
Marika Hull, CEC is a trained Life Potentials Practitioner as well as a certified facilitator of the Energy Leadership Assessment. Prior to founding Proficio Coaching, she worked in the entertainment industry for companies such as ICM, NBC Universal, Fox, and DreamWorks. During that time she gained valuable experience in many areas of the film industry such as feature film development, production, corporate studio systems, and recruiting. With her previous work experience and a passion to help others, Marika Hull established Proficio Coaching with a mission to aid motivated individuals as they forge ahead in the world of entertainment.
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Questions? Contact us at
info@proficiocoaching.com or 323-906-9940
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Marika Hull, CEC
Proficio Coaching |
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