Chixe

By Susen West

Careers for older women are available. Women have come a long way in the workplace, yet there are still some unique challenges that older women face as they embark on a career change and look for new career training.

Women between the ages of 45 and 60 may have difficulty pursuing new career training because of certain tangible and intangible barriers. For instance, some women may have to remain in a particular location due to family constraints. Others may not be able to afford education, or feel it may take too long. Others may feel they are perceived as 'mature women' who do not have the transferable skills for a new career.

With that said, there are still many new career training options available for women in this age group who are looking to make a career or lifestyle change. Technology plays a large part in this phenomenon, as does a changing society that no longer views women of this age as unemployable or unwilling to train.

The world is a different place now, and if you are an older woman seeking new career training, you are in a position to take advantage of all the career training options available.

Teleclass seminars: There are many education opportunities available as teleclass seminars. These are courses that typically involve students and an instructor linking up via the Web or satellite, and are interactive in nature. The instructor and students can then interact in class discussions, lectures and presentations. I use teleclass seminars for my 'Unleashing Your Leadership Power' seminar. It works great for everyone involved, because it is convenient and a lower-cost option than many other traditional classroom instructional opportunities. You can find teleclasses on the Internet or at local colleges and universities.

Workshops and short courses: For more personal training, many women tend to opt for more traditional classes. These can be found at community colleges, community centers, universities, and other workforce training facilities. You can also look for education opportunities with other organizations, including the Small Business Administration, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, or local women's groups.

Online classes: Once thought of as only suitable for younger students, Online classes have rapidly become the training method of choice for all ages. These classes are generally easy to access, easy to follow, and cost-effective. And, the best part is that they are very flexible. Often students can work at their own pace from anywhere in the world.

Internships and job shadowing: You may think internships are for young college students, but that's not always the case. Many employers will offer these types of opportunities to men and women in more mature age groups as an alternative way to update career training. This is a great opportunity for many people, because it is a hands-on experience that offers the chance to learn as you do the work. It is also a way to network and create professional relationships.

Career coaching: Career enrichment coaching and new career coaching can provide you with the personalized attention you may need to sort through your options. A career coach is someone who is trained to work with you and provide assessment tools to validate the best skill and job interest match for your profile. Two great resources on the internet are The Leadership Resource and Career Change Resource.