Shalom Lamm on Career Change: Do You Really Need to Go Back to School?
Changing careers can be one of the most exciting—and intimidating—decisions of your life. And one of the first questions people ask when considering a pivot is: “Do I need to go back to school?”
It’s a fair question. In an age where the job market moves fast and skills are constantly evolving, education feels like a logical first step. But according to entrepreneur and business strategist Shalom Lamm, the answer isn’t always that simple.
“School can be part of the solution, but it’s not always the starting point,” Lamm says. “The real question isn’t should you go back to school—it’s what problem are you trying to solve?”
In this post, we’ll unpack that question and explore the pros, cons, and alternatives to returning to school when changing careers. With insights from Shalom Lamm’s experience in business, leadership, and mentoring professionals in transition, you’ll gain the clarity you need to make the right choice for your future.
Why So Many Career-Changers Default to School
When you’re feeling stuck, lost, or eager for change, the idea of going back to school offers something comforting: structure. New classes, new credentials, and a clear path forward. It feels like action—and often, that’s what people crave most during a period of career uncertainty.
“People think a degree will give them legitimacy,” Lamm explains. “But credibility comes from capability, not just credentials.”
That’s not to say school has no place. But if your instinct is to enroll in a multi-year program without a clear return on investment, it may be time to pause and reassess.
Shalom Lamm’s 3 Questions Before You Enroll
Before spending tens of thousands of dollars and years of your life in a classroom, Shalom Lamm recommends asking yourself these three critical questions:
1. Is School the Only Path to the Career I Want?
Some industries—like medicine, law, or licensed counseling—do require formal education and certification. But many others, like marketing, tech, sales, or entrepreneurship, are far more portfolio-driven than degree-driven.
“You’d be surprised how many industries care more about what you can do than where you studied,” Lamm says.
In fact, many employers today value real-world experience, transferable skills, and demonstrated problem-solving ability over formal education.
2. Do I Need a Degree or Just a Skill?
There’s a difference between needing a full academic program and simply needing to learn a new tool or concept. In many cases, a short course, certification, or bootcamp can be more effective—and far more efficient.
Lamm explains:
“Don’t buy the whole toolbox when all you need is a screwdriver. Learn the skill that gets you in the door—then build from there.”
3. Am I Using School to Delay Action?
This one stings a bit—but it’s real. Many people consider going back to school because they’re afraid to start. School becomes a socially acceptable form of procrastination.
“The desire to ‘prepare more’ often masks fear of failure,” says Lamm. “At some point, you have to start doing—not just learning.”
When Going Back to School Makes Sense
That said, there are definitely situations where returning to school is a smart and strategic move. According to Lamm, these include:
You’re Entering a Profession That Requires Licensure
If you’re becoming a teacher, nurse, lawyer, or therapist, formal education is non-negotiable. Make sure your program is accredited and directly aligned with your licensure goals.
You Want to Pivot into Research, Academia, or Specialized Fields
Certain roles in research, data science, psychology, or public policy may require advanced degrees to be taken seriously or to access higher-level roles.
You’ve Done the Math
If the tuition cost, time investment, and opportunity cost of school are outweighed by your long-term earning potential and job satisfaction—then school may be worth it.
“Education is an investment,” Lamm emphasizes. “But like any investment, it should come with a clear return.”
When It Doesn’t Make Sense
Shalom Lamm is also quick to point out red flags—signs that school may not be the best next step:
You’re Unsure What You Want
If you’re vague about your career goals, school might be premature. You could end up with debt and no clearer path than when you started.
You’re Hoping a Degree Will “Fix” Your Career
Degrees aren’t magic. If your current career dissatisfaction is about company culture, burnout, or lack of autonomy, a new diploma won’t automatically solve those issues.
You Haven’t Explored Faster (or Cheaper) Alternatives
From YouTube tutorials to high-quality online certificates, there are countless ways to gain skills today without setting foot in a classroom.
Smart Alternatives to Going Back to School
If formal education doesn’t feel like the right move, here are Shalom Lamm-approved alternatives to consider:
Microlearning Platforms
Sites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable, high-quality lessons in everything from coding to public speaking.
Bootcamps & Certificates
Programs in UX design, data analytics, digital marketing, and project management can often be completed in under six months.
Freelance or Volunteer Projects
Nothing builds credibility faster than actual results. Find a nonprofit or small business and offer to solve a problem they have. Use that experience to build your portfolio.
Networking and Mentorship
Talk to people who are already doing what you want to do. Learn from their path, mistakes, and insights before you make a big investment.
“One conversation with someone in the field can teach you more than a semester in the classroom,” Lamm says.
Final Thoughts: Education vs. Execution
So, do you need to go back to school to change careers?
Maybe. But maybe not.
Shalom Lamm urges career-changers to think critically—not reactively.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But if you treat education as a tool—not a default—you’ll make smarter decisions,” he says. “The real goal isn’t more degrees. It’s more aligned.”
Whether you decide to enroll, self-teach, or jump straight into building something new, remember this:
The power to change your career doesn’t come from a classroom. It comes from your commitment to growth.
