In the past, I've suggested people pursue full degrees. I've also suggested going to school part-time, in the nighttime, online, in executive-focused programs, and so forth.

The point is to make sure you keep on top of things in your line of work, and while that's important in general, it becomes even more important when it comes to changing jobs. And still more important if your job change isn't a lateral thing. You may, when you distribute your resume, be thinking about a whole new set of responsibilities, a new target market, a new industry.

So, what are you going to do about it, if you're not going to shell out tens of thousands of dollars for a new degree? before you start your job search, do a little planning in advance, and scope out these three education ideas:

1. Use your company's continuing education job benefits, if any.

I'm often surprised by the number of people who smack their heads and say, "Oh, yeah! I forgot I could do that!" The company benefits manual isn't usually a page-turner, but it's well worth digging into for nuggets of gold like continuing education reimbursement.

That may require you to stay on a while after you finish, or else you'll have to pay for it out of your own pocket. But if your next executive position could more than make up for the difference - through salary and/or benefits - then go for it.

2. Create learning blocks in your day.

Not blocks as in "roadblocks," but block as in time. Heck, you can always use a break from what you're up to in the course of a day, just to keep up your effectiveness and productivity. Why not do something useful with your breaks? A walk around the block is good for your body, and a bit of reading and research is good for your mind.

3. Ask your boss about industry-specific or job-specific training.

Whether on not your company has a continuing education benefit, they may also pay for training as part of the departmental budget. Workshops and seminars may not have to focus on specific job tasks, either - leadership and team-building training may fall into the approved spending parameters.

Just one step today - put it on your calendar - and then follow through. That's all! And soon, you'll have learned a few new and useful tricks to share when you start your next resume-to-new-job process.