How to Answer: Do you have any plans for continued education?
1. Do you have any plans for continued education?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know if you are planning to complete some higher education. If you are, it is essential that you express your desire to work in tandem with your classes. The concern of the interviewer is that you will be hired, trained, and then want to leave your job to go back to school full time.
Some organizations will offer tuition support or a reimbursement program for their employees who wish to continue their education. If they do provide this type of perk, you can indeed show interest but make sure that your continued education aspirations are related to the industry and job. If you are an accountant at a firm, you want to avoid saying that you would like to take courses in zoology.
Answer Example
"I believe that continued education is always a good idea. I like to expand my knowledge when possible. With that said, my job would always come first. I understand that you have a tuition reimbursement program for your employees seeking related coursework. I would be interested in learning more about this down the road."
Admin
"I like the idea of taking some coursework in Excel and Powerpoint; however, I have no plans to exit the workforce to gain another degree for instance. If other industry related opportunities present themselves, I would be interested."
Manager
"Continued education is important to remain knowledgeable and relevant in your industry. As a leader, I also encourage my team to expand their industry related education where they feel led. I would be interested in earning my PMP Certification at some point; however, that would have to be in tandem with work."
Marketing
"Being in Marketing, we are lucky to have a multitude of options when it comes to continued education. I love improving my work-related knowledge. Does your company encourage the completion of any particular coursework?"
Retail
"I do not have specific plans to continue my education. However, I would not turn down an opportunity to expand my knowledge in retail. Perhaps down the road, I would enjoy taking some courses to help me ease into a retail management role with your company."
Sales
"In sales, it is important to stay on top of your industry. For that reason, I believe that related coursework is always beneficial. I have had my eye on obtaining my Executive MBA one day. Of course, I would obtain this over the course of a couple of years as I work full time. Does your company encourage continued education, or offer tuition reimbursement?"
Teacher
"As a teacher, continued education is vital to remain up to date and effective in the classroom. I am very interested in continued education opportunities. My current district has a few opportunities for professional development throughout the year, in which I always participate. Could you tell me more about your professional development and continued education opportunities?"
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