With the economy doing a tap dance, corporate employees often consider the option of going back to school for a career change. Typically many people return for university degrees during economic downturns. Others sign up for certificates and non-credit programs.

If you haven't been a student for a while, your choices can be overwhelming. You can choose to study locally or sign up with an online university based three thousand miles away. You can choose a traditional university degree program or a private mentoring program designed to prepare you for specific careers or business opportunities.

Before signing up for any program, talk to at least six recent graduates. Ask the admissions office to connect you with six people who resemble you in terms of age and career status. Ask those graduates, "Was your degree helpful? What were you doing before? What are you doing now?"

Sometimes an education program helps with promotion but not career change, or vice versa. Sometimes an education program sounds great but nobody ends up working in the field.

If the program administrators refuse to introduce you to recent graduates, walk out. They can make phone calls. Happy graduates are usually willing to talk to prospective students. Why wouldn't they?

Recognize that both online and face-to-face education programs can offer you an opportunity to network with other graduates. If you want to change careers or get re-employed, choose programs that allow you to work with other students on projects and form study groups. Group activities will give you unparalleled access to people who normally will not return your calls.

For example, one university student lost her job midway through her program. She sent her resume around to several companies. One copy landed on the desk of a classmate who had worked with her on a student project. She got the job.

Student projects often allow you to meet executives from companies you are studying. Occasionally you will make a good impression on the company and land a job. However, you can't count on this outcome and any attempt to sell yourself during a student project will most likely backfire.

If you anticipate roadblocks because of your age or senior status, consider signing up for courses in entrepreneurship and internet marketing. If you study at a traditional university, ask if your professor has had first-hand experience in these areas or consider courses in independent community-based or online sources.

Finally, if you're currently employed, use any education benefits your company offers. One acquaintance said, "It's just a thousand dollars." But this sum will get you into continuing education, community college courses, and more. Some companies allow you to use these funds to attend organizational meetings with speakers, giving you networking opportunities.

Focus on courses that build skills, especially skills you can use whether you work for a company or yourself. Examples include public speaking, writing, and any form of computer or Internet activity. Your own skill set is your best career insurance in any economy.