Before enrolling in a certificate training program, graduate program, medical or law school, you should contact the school and ask about recent job placements and employment. Naturally, whoever you end talking to may put a positive spin on it so beware. You are investigating their reputation. Have a brief list of questions prepared.
For contacts, check recent job listings such as the Times ads or Internet sites. Here are some things to consider: What placement agencies specialize in your area? Ask them if in a few years, you were calling with a degree in your job area, from your school of interest, what would your chances be. Ask them if they can tell you which schools have the best placement record.
Additionally, you might network with people working or hiring in your field of interest. You may have to treat key people to lunch or at least a cup of good coffee. Be super polite, use their terminology (from ads for example). They may be in a position to hire you one day.
Finally, is your only goal employment? There are viable alternatives to degree programs including two-year programs and short-term certificates offered by colleges. Be extra cautious with for-profit versus private and public programs. For-profit are currently, mostly questionable. It has long been the case that an intensive focus on computer programs such as coding can get you pretty well the same starting salary as a college graduate, currently around $75K, but you may have to live and breath it for a period of time up to a year.
If you are super motivated for a crowded field such as acting or art, you may have to work extra hard to make a living. But, who can argue with love!
There is more, but for now do your homework before you choose. And the best of luck!
