AboutCynthia Wolfe Expertise Let me help you with questions about adult education and continuing education programs. If you are looking for a program or have questions about adult education in general, I can guide you. If you are a teacher looking for new ideas or methods, I can help. I have resources and ideas to share. I am a member of the National Business Education Association (NBEA), a professional organization devoted to the recognition that business education competencies are essential for all individuals in today's fast-changing society.
Experience I am an instructor at the University of Phoenix, working in online and classroom modalities. I am also a student at Northcentral University, where I am working on a PhD in Business Administration, with a specialty in Management. My MBA is from Troy University, 2001, and I have a BS, Environmental Science, from Troy University, 1980. Read about my experiences as an online student at my blog thinkPhD.
Question Hi there, my name is Kelly and i am a full time mum in the UK. I am looking to get back in to employment but looking to take a different approach. Firstly I want to get back in to education, I was hoping to be able to enroll in a photography course as this is the profession I was looking to follow but at the moment all I have is passion, no experience or previous qualifications in this subject. My husband has an income which is used to keep the family but there is currently nothing left over of a month to aid me in my studies. So my question to you is, is there any funding I could possibly tap in to to help me make this happen or will this just be a pipe dream for me as I can not fund the education myself. My only other option is childcare. I have just been granted my registration as a childminder but again i only have experience from being a mum and passion, i do not have any profession childcare qualifications. I would like to do the child care NVQ up to level 4 if possible but i am not sure if i have to do the level 3 first? Again i need some help with the funding though. I am really worried that i am not going to be able to have career in something i am passionate about just because i can not afford to do the qualifications. I feel i have so much to give but could just use a little help.
i hope to hear from you and that you may be able to point me in the right direction.
Kind regards
Kelly
Answer Hi Kelly,
I am concerned that you are interested in making a costly educational or a career comittment without any experience. I do not recommend jumping into either without first learning more and working in the fields. You wrote, "I am really worried that i am not going to be able to have career in something i am passionate about just because i can not afford to do the qualifications." Most of us have to build toward something we are passionate about; many people cannot afford or do not have the skill set to start off doing something they love. I have spoken to individuals over the years who thought they loved a certain career path, but then once they were in it found that they were mistaken.
I suggest that you work part time with a photographer as an apprentice. There are many freelance photography jobs that do not require an education; many photographers are self-taught. They purchase equipment as they can afford it. Being a childminder is an important responsibility; don't assume just because you are a mum you can effectively manage others' children. You need experience and training in both of these fields - find someone in the field to work temporarily with or on a few-days-a-week basis.
I realize your question was about funding, but based on the information that you have provided in your question, you need to explore the fields before making a financial comittment.
