Advancement in most professions these days requires continuing self-development through formal coursework at recognised educational institutions. Such courses can be very expensive - sometimes running into tens of thousands of dollars. They are also very demanding in terms of your hopes, energy, and time. Drop-out rates can be as high as 30 percent. Many students persevere even though they admit they made the wrong choice. Further study is a major investment, so you would be wise to consider the following advice before choosing your program...   1. Focus on your own qualities. Consider first your personal motivations and hopes. Are you the type of individual who finds formal study hard work, or do you get enjoyment from such activity? Are you seeking specific understanding and skills to boost your future employment prospects, or will study be simply a way of keeping youself up to date, giving you a chance [...]