Going back to school as an adult comes with its own set of considerations, challenges, but also advantages.
What's the best program for your goals?
How do you fit your studies into your schedule of obligations and commitments?
And what does it take to be a successful student as an adult?
Read on for answers to these and more questions as we go over what to consider when you're thinking of going back to school, how to prepare and organize yourself in a way that sets you up for success, and some of the challenges you may encounter along the way.
Why Consider Going Back to School as an Adult?
Pursuing further education as an adult has its benefits. You're more aware of what you want from life and where you want to get to. If you're still unsure about whether pursuing further education is the right move for you, here are some of the reasons why adults go back to school.
To Switch Careers
A lot of adults who go back to school do so because they want to change careers. While for some career paths, you can get far through self-study, others require specific skills and "official" proof that you know what you're doing in the form of a certification or degree.
To Deepen Your Skills and Expertise
The benefit of taking up a study that is in line with your current position is that the coursework will be directly related to the work you know. This will enrich your learning process, as you'll be able to apply your real-life experiences to your studies and your studies to your work.
Perhaps you're already working in hospitality but have never received formal training, or maybe you're a manager looking to switch to hospitality from another industry. In cases like these, further education can help solidify and expand your skills and knowledge.
To Advance Your Current Career
While less so than maybe a decade ago, many employers and recruiters still filter on degree when looking to fill a role. As a candidate with experience and the right degree, you'd certainly stand out among other applicants.
On top of that, higher education can help you move up the ranks within your current industry. Imagine a hotel receptionist with years of experience wanting to step into a management position. She might have the experiential skills and knowledge, but lack a solid foundation in management. The right education can help with that.
To Earn More
Some companies still pay employees based on their education level. It can happen that a certain role normally requires a specific degree, but that someone has worked their way up through the organization. Yet, because of their degree, they're not getting paid as much as they would with the "right" degree.
In this case, getting a degree might be a good investment but if it's the only reason why you'd go back to school as an adult, it's worth calculating whether the increased earning potential of having the degree outweighs the costs of the education.
Because You Finally Have the Resources
Higher education isn't accessible to everyone straight out of school. Your financial situation or other life circumstances may have prevented you from continuing your schooling. If those circumstances have changed for the better, now might be the time to invest in yourself.
To Follow Personal Interests
Some adults might seek education as a way to connect with like-minded individuals or engage in a more intellectually stimulating environment. If that's you, there's no better motivation than pure curiosity to soak up new learnings.
Tips for Going Back to School as an Adult
Choose a School and Program
Once you've decided that you'll go back to school, there are a few things you can do to ensure you sign up for the right program at the right institution.
Identify your Reasons
Delve deep into your motivations for returning to school. Consider whether you are seeking career advancement, a career change, personal development, or pursuing a passion.
Clearly articulating your reasons will not only help you make informed decisions but also keep you focused and motivated throughout your educational journey.
If, for example, you want a new career, then also think about which jobs you might be interested in and how different schools and programs might help you prepare for them. If you're unsure, you can consult a career advisor, ask ChatGPT, or ask people who are doing what you want to do what their educational and career path has looked like.
And don't forget about university admissions counselors. They have in-depth knowledge of the program(s) you're interested in and the career opportunities they offer.
Assess your learning styles
Take the time to understand your preferred learning style. Determine whether you learn best through visual, hands-on, or auditory methods. Are you open to a hybrid learning environment, or do you learn better when taking classes in person?
Knowing your learning style will guide you in choosing the right courses and study techniques, making your learning experience more effective.
Select the appropriate degree
Reflect on how the degree aligns with your career goals. Consider whether it will open up new job opportunities, offer potential for a promotion, or enable you to pivot to a new field.
Also, get clear on what your educational trajectory will look like if you have a certain end goal in mind. Do you need to do a master's or does a bachelor's degree suffice? And if there's no program specific to the job you have in mind, which one is most likely to teach you the skills you need while holding value in the field you'll be working in?
Pick the right format
Evaluate how education will fit into your current life. Take into account your work schedule, family commitments, and personal time when deciding between daytime, evening, or weekend, or online classes. The format should accommodate your lifestyle while allowing you to excel academically.
It's better to start slow and ramp things up if you notice you have the capacity, than to risk getting overwhelmed. Once you know which program you want to apply for, check whether it offers options to study part-time or to sign up for a limited number of courses a year so you earn certificates or study points as you build toward a complete degree.
Explore accelerated programs
Alternatively, you may have freed up time and want to expedite your education. In that case, research programs that offer an accelerated path to a degree can be interesting.
However, do verify that the accelerated pace still provides a comprehensive learning experience and aligns with your ability to manage coursework effectively.
Find the right program
Compare program curricula, faculty expertise, available resources, and support services across different institutions. Select a program that not only aligns with your career goals but also supports your specific learning needs and preferences.
Research schools
Extend your research beyond the program to the institution itself. Consider factors such as the school's reputation, campus environment, available student support services, and the strength of its alumni and professional networks.
Investigate the career support services offered by the school. A robust career services department can provide valuable assistance with job searches, interview preparation, and networking opportunities, which can significantly benefit your post-graduation career prospects.
Prepare Your Application
Each school has its own application process, and sometimes, you need to apply several months before the start of your program. Inform yourself about the application requirements and deadlines so you can block time on your schedule to gather all necessary documents for timely submission.
Most schools list admission requirements on their websites, but if anything is unclear, you can reach out to an admissions counselor. They know what you need to submit by when.
Plan Your Resources
Time, money, and your health all play a crucial role in turning your educational journey into a success.
Make a financial plan
Education can be expensive. Look up the costs for your entire trajectory, taking into account not just course fees but also the books you'll need to buy, the money you'll need to live off, and unforeseen costs.
You might also want to look into financial aid options. Some schools offer financial support in the form of scholarships, grants, or payment plans. National, state, and other governments may also offer educational grants, loans, or special support programs. And if you're currently an employee, your employer might have a training budget you can make use of.
If you'd like to receive financial support, take the time to look into the different options available to you so you can apply for them in time.
Organize your schedule
Pursuing continued education as an adult means more than just taking classes. As part of your study schedule, you'll also need to free up time for completing assignments, studying, and exam preparations.
Because it's hard to gauge how much time your outside-the-classroom activities will take up, it's best to overestimate this a bit. You'll probably need to adapt as you go, but it's a good idea to set aside daily to weekly study time at the start of the year.
Protect Your Health
You're about to step into a new routine with new obligations, deadlines, and the accompanying pressure. Especially in combination with the rest of your life, it's easy to take on too much and burn out.
Your health might not be at the top of your to-do list, but it is the number one thing that defines how easily you'll be able to focus and tackle the commitments on your plate.
Plan for downtime, sufficient sleep, and healthy meals. Practice self-care and don't be afraid to seek help when needed.
Enrol and Prepare
Once you've been accepted, complete your enrollment process promptly and gather all necessary materials, including textbooks and course material. Being well-prepared for your classes ensures a smooth start to your educational journey.
Adult Learning Tips
Engage with the school community
Actively engage with school counselors, connect with prospective classmates, and seek advice from alumni. Building relationships within the school community can provide valuable insights, support networks, and a sense of belonging.
Create a study environment
Designate a dedicated and comfortable study space free from distractions. A well-organized study environment can enhance your focus and productivity during study sessions.
Develop effective study habits
Cultivate strong study routines and utilize tools and techniques that enhance your learning. Explore various study methods and find what works best for you, whether it's taking physical notes, using mnemonic devices, or employing online resources.
Actively engaging during classes by asking and answering questions can help you retain the material better, meaning you'll need to spend less time going over things in your own time.
Integrate learning with work
If you are currently employed, seek opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills you gain from your coursework to your job. Demonstrating how your education benefits your work can add value to your role and reinforce the relevance of your studies.
Build a support network
Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, classmates, and mentors who understand and encourage your academic pursuits. A strong support system can provide emotional and practical assistance during your educational journey.
Not sure where to start?
- Exchange contact details with other students.
- Offer fellow students to study together.
- Organize meetups with classmates.
- Help each other review assignments.
As an adult, you also have the benefit that you're more likely to click with your instructors. Try to see them not only as teachers but also as peers who can help you make connections within their field.
Leverage school resources
Take advantage of the various helpful resources offered by the school, including academic advising, tutoring services, library and research support, career counseling, and extracurricular activities. These resources can enhance your educational experience and help you navigate challenges effectively.
Engage in lifelong learning communities
Join study groups, online forums, or professional organizations related to your field of study. Participating in these communities fosters continuous learning, provides peer support, and offers opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Be open to learning
Embrace every opportunity to learn, both inside and outside the classroom. Maintain a curious and open mindset, be receptive to new ideas, and actively seek knowledge to enrich your educational experience.
Reflect on personal growth
You'll get more out of your education if you embrace it not just as a career move, but also as an opportunity for personal development. As you make it a habit to reflect on your personal growth throughout your educational journey, you'll notice positive changes in your skillset, knowledge, and perspectives.
Going back to school as an adult also requires determination and resilience - two traits that will benefit you no matter what you end up doing.
Challenges to be Aware of
Everyone's situation is different, but, in general, there are two big challenges adults face when going back to school.
Combining Your Education with Other Responsibilities
Work, a partner, a family, social engagements, … Adult learners often need to juggle their education with multiple other commitments.
Take an honest look at your schedule to see if there is anything you can (temporarily) let go of, and try to schedule your course year so that you take on a lighter load when your other obligations require more of your attention.
It's also a good idea to let those close to you know how important it is for you to go back to school and be willing to ask for and receive their support.
Finding Your Place Within the Academic Environment
Adapting to the student-teacher dynamic, finding yourself in a classroom full of younger students, carving out your place within the student community…
It's easy to forget about all the social dynamics that are part of the learning environment. However, these dynamics can greatly affect your experience, especially if your study involves a lot of group work.
Even if you decide to focus solely on your studies and don't feel the need to make more friends, being on friendly terms with your fellow students and the teaching staff is a natural way of building a supportive community and makes it possible to do things like exchange notes and help each other prepare for exams.
As someone with real-world experience, you can even act as a guide for younger students. Just be careful not to turn into a know-it-all.
Go Back to School With Confidence
Going back to school as an adult may seem daunting. There's a lot to juggle, and you want to make sure to choose the right program for you. If you follow the tips in this guide, you're on track to have the best possible experience.
