continuing education

As tempting as it may be to toss the conference brochures piled on your desk or delete those incessant e-mail Webcast solicitations, think twice before you do. They may represent opportunities you can't afford to ignore. With advances like RFID looming, the practice of logistics and supply chain management is changing as quickly as the numbers at the local gas pump. Like it or not, you'll need to continue your education if you want to keep up with the times.

But where do you go? If time is an issue, you can register for seminars or annual conferences offered by groups like the Warehousing Education & Research Council (WERC), the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, IWLA—The Association for Logistics Outsourcing, or the National Industrial Transportation League (NITL). You can sign up for educational Webcasts. Or you can enroll in certification program prep courses like the Certified Logistics Practitioner Program and the Computing Technology Industry Association's new RFID certification program.

If you're willing to make a longer-term commitment, you can look into courses offered by local colleges and universities. Many offer degree programs or certificates in areas like global logistics or supply chain management. Even if you don't live or work near a college campus, you can still pursue higher education—you just have to do it online. True, you may miss out on the classroom experience. But what you lose in atmosphere, you gain in convenience. With online programs, you can "take" a class at 3: 00 a.m. if you choose, and you can do it from the comfort of your home or even from a hotel room a thousand miles from home.

When deciding which route to take, you'll want to weigh the financial costs, time commitment and lasting value. What follows are some guidelines.

• Financial costs. Attending seminars and conventions can cost anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars. If there's no money in this year's budget for professional development, make sure it's included for next year. It's not just a bumper sticker slogan: Knowledge really is power. Consider this an investment in your future.
• Time commitment. Decide how much time you can devote to the pursuit of knowledge. Seminars typically take just a few hours, a convention can last as long as a week, and a degree program will probably take about 18 months. Whichever route you choose, be realistic about the time commitment. If you're considering a certification program as a potential short cut, for example, keep in mind that while the exam may take only a few hours, you must figure in study time. Sure, your work experience counts for a lot—you'd be surprised by how much you've learned all these years working in the real world. But you'll also need book learning to pass these exams. No matter how many years you've spent on the job, it's doubtful you've picked up the answers to such questions as "What year was the forklift invented?" or "Who created the prominent methodology used for the valuation of inventory?"
• Lasting value. When weighing your options, consider what each will be worth in the long run— to the company and to you personally. A seminar or conference might give you some great ideas for boosting performance. Earning an advanced degree could add luster to a resume. But don't look at continuing education as a way to make points with your boss or a prospective employer. Whether it prompts you to think about your job in a new way or provides a chance to network with people who share your concerns and experiences, going back to school can revitalize you in ways you never envisioned.