How to Choose the Right MyCAA Program for You - MedCerts

Is Short-Term Online Career Training Right for You?

ATTN Military Spouses: For a limited time, the Department of Defense has expanded eligibility for My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) to the first 1,250 approved applicants in the ranks of E-6 and O-3. MedCerts is an approved school for the MyCAA scholarship.

Looking for a MyCAA program to help you make a career change? There are so many options that it's easy to get stuck in "analysis paralysis" — feeling overwhelmed by choice.

Don't worry. Feeling a little bit overwhelmed is normal during a big change. MedCerts can offer some tips on choosing a career path and finding the MyCAA program that will make it possible.

Define Personal Goals and Values

To make the leap from job to career, align your professional choices with your personal values. Think about what matters to you and what you want to contribute.

If you feel stuck, look to your feelings as you research the demands of a new career. Picture yourself in the work you're thinking about pursuing. Do you feel pulled toward it or drawn away? Try to identify the feelings — proud, excited, anxious, sad, and so on. It's a good indicator of how you'll feel in that job.

Consider Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Reflect on past experiences and identify where you've thrived. Recall what subjects you loved in school and what you enjoyed about them. Include classes you've taken for personal enrichment and volunteer opportunities you've pursued.

Think about what your friends say you're good at. Are you the caretaker, always nurturing and looking after people? Or maybe you're a born administrator who keeps everyone organized and knows where the important paperwork is.

Considering these personal strengths will help point you in the right career direction. If you enjoy taking care of people, consider a myCAA program in healthcare. If puzzle solving is more your speed, explore IT career options.

Evaluate Potential Industries

Don't limit yourself to jobs and fields you know well. New jobs evolve all the time, thanks to changing technology and the specializations in fields like medicine. Dive deeply into areas of interest to see what's out there.

Again, listen to your instincts. If you start reading about a job and are excited to learn more, that's a green flag.

Review Course Loads and Classes

When you find a career path that sparks genuine excitement, look into training requirements. Learn what education and certifications you need to land a job in that field, then research MyCAA program options.

Think about how much time you have to study and what kind of program fits your schedule. MedCerts has fully online skill-based training programs in a variety of IT and healthcare fields, as well as professional development courses like customer support and Microsoft Office. Many take as little as 11 weeks to complete.

Speak with an Education Consultant

MedCerts Educational Consultants will talk with you and help you choose the MyCAA program that matches your needs, interests, and goals. They'll walk you through what's needed to enroll and set you up for success before you even take your first class.

Make the Decision

Finally, it's time to settle on an option and jump in with both feet. It can be a scary moment, but if you study with MedCerts, you're not in it alone. Student Success Advisors are available every step of the way with regular check-ins, one-on-one help, and individualized career coaching. You'll even get exam prep support for your certification test.

Choosing a MyCAA program is a big decision — but your new career is worth the effort. Let MedCerts help you get started.

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Written by MedCerts Team
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Published on May 16, 2022

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