Going Back To College In My Late 20’s | Best Decision I Ever Made
What types of degrees can adults earn?
Depending on their preferred industry, adult learners can return to school to earn a variety of certificates and degrees. The following are some typical degrees you might pursue if you return to school:
Vocational or technical degrees
Vocational and technical programs are available for the following careers:
Associate degrees
The following fields are available for associate degree study for adult learners:
A variety of professions can benefit from the foundational knowledge that general Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees provide.
Bachelors degrees
Common fields that returning students pursue include:
Advanced degrees
Professionals who are currently employed in their preferred industry may decide to return to school for an advanced degree to advance in their career or change careers to become college professors. Popular graduate courses of study include:
Why is going back to college important?
Returning to school can be crucial for both professional and personal reasons. Some jobs you’re interested in might need a degree or certificate. In other instances, having a degree could demonstrate to potential employers that you have more knowledge and skills than other job candidates.
Returning to school can also provide personal satisfaction. You are proving to yourself, your loved ones, and your peers that you are capable of completing a difficult task under your own initiative.
12 reasons to go back to college
Here are 12 reasons to go back to school:
Growing in your career
Returning to school can give you the knowledge and experience you need to advance in your career. If your career has stagnated, think about the types of degrees that could propel you forward. Business professionals, for instance, might think about pursuing a master’s degree in business administration. Medical assistants may think about returning to school for a nursing degree, or staff members of pharmacies may pursue a pharmacy technician certificate. You may have more opportunities to apply for promotions, higher-level jobs, or supervisory positions with these additional qualifications.
Earning more
Employees with degrees typically make more money than those without in many professions. In order to qualify for a higher salary, you might choose to pursue a degree in your field. For instance, after graduating from high school, some people may start working as plumbers or construction workers. They might need to obtain a certificate or associate degree in their field to qualify for higher pay.
For professionals, a higher salary can provide a number of advantages, including:
Changing careers
If you feel burned out at your current job or your industry is changing, you might want to completely switch careers. This may frequently necessitate pursuing a different degree that offers you more pertinent coursework and training. Think about a high school teacher who wants to work in marketing, for instance. If they want to have the background knowledge necessary for working in a business environment, they might need to go back to school and obtain a bachelor’s degree in business.
Returning to school after a break
Some high school graduates may begin working after graduation with the intention of going to college later, while others may start college but discontinue studies before receiving a degree. Others might forego their education to raise a family or join the military. Sometimes this break can last longer than intended. Returning to school as an adult learner can be motivated by completing a task you began or achieving a long-held goal.
Pursuing your passions
Some working adults go back to school to further an interest or passion rather than to advance their careers. Learning for the sake of learning is something that many people find to be personally fulfilling and meaningful. Areas that you might study include:
Achieving a personal goal
You may have had this long-held personal goal of returning to school. Achieving this goal can make you feel proud of yourself and demonstrate your perseverance in the face of obstacles. You can use this accomplishment to demonstrate to your loved ones, kids, and friends that you can work toward your goals at any time.
Proving your capability
Gaining a degree as an adult learner can help you feel more confident in yourself and show potential employers that you have a variety of transferable skills, including:
Finding flexible scheduling options
Many working adults and parents with busy schedules may be prevented from obtaining a degree by traditional full-time college schedules. However, as more institutions offer online and part-time courses, workers are now able to fit their educational objectives into their schedules and are deciding to go back to school.
Avoiding taking out student loans
Some individuals may not have been able to afford college when they were younger students. Some professionals may now have the financial security and resources to pursue a degree after years of working and saving. Adult learners may also feel more at ease with the loan application process and more assured that they can responsibly manage their debt.
Learning a different set of skills
Consider going back to school if you want to broaden your skill set and learn new professional tactics. Professionals who want to innovate within their organization or create new features may require further education and training.
For instance, a doctor who wants to start a private practice might sign up for a course in entrepreneurship, or a communications director might enroll in graphic design classes.
Becoming more competitive
Gaining your first degree or an advanced degree can increase your competitiveness as a job applicant. Having a degree can set you apart from many other applicants in some fields, such as trade positions and entry-level health care jobs.
Networking with other professionals
Returning to school can enable you to network with a new group of experts in your field. These connections may be useful for networking and job opportunities.
FAQ
What are 3 benefits of going to college?
- Increased Access to Job Opportunities. …
- Preparation for a Specialized Career. …
- Increased Marketability. …
- Increased Earning Potential. …
- Economic Stability. …
- Networking Opportunities. …
- A Pathway to Advancement. …
- Personal Growth and Improved Self-Esteem.
What is the main reason to go to college?
Many factors, such as long-term financial gain, job security, career satisfaction, and success outside of the workplace, make college important. A college degree may be essential to your success in the workforce today because more and more professions demand advanced education.
What motivates you to go back to school?
Trigger events can include a variety of changes in a person’s personal or professional life, such as getting divorced, meeting a new spouse or significant other who has differing views on education, or watching your children graduate from high school or college and have more time or money to pursue your own interests.
How do you decide if I should go back to college?
- You’re at a Dead End. …
- You’re Restless. …
- You’re More Responsible. …
- Your Pockets are Running on Empty. …
- You Have a Passion. …
- You’ve Already Started. …
- You’re Excited to Learn. …
- Your Troubles Have Slowed Down.
