Looking to advance your career: Could higher education be the answer?

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The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has been the source of job loss, furlough, or a transition to working from home. In each of these cases, people are spending increasing amounts of hours at home. While this time has been difficult for many, it has also given some the opportunity to survey their lives outside of the normally busy schedules. If you find yourself doing that, then you might be looking for ways to advance your career, including enrolling in higher education.

Thinking about your job

You likely have more time than before to reflect on whether your job is adding to your happiness level or detracting from it instead. Do you feel fulfilled by the occupation or not?

For many folks, this reflection has provided the inspiration to either find a career that’s more suitable for them or to progress even further within the role that they’re in now. Do one of those scenarios apply to you?

If so, there are various ways that you can go about securing a new career or securing the desired promotion when you return to your usual workplace. But, for now, let’s focus on how higher education can help you along the way.

For many adults, college or university may seem like something of the past or a missed opportunity. Many will shy away from the option because of this way of thinking.

But that doesn’t have to be the case. Let’s tackle some common concerns from mature students and guide you in the right direction!

Age and career advancement concerns

First, let’s tackle the concept of age. So many adults would love to return to higher education or give it their first shot, they feel they are too old to get started. This really isn’t true, though.

Mature students (or anyone starting studies after the age of 21) form a huge percentage of every university or college’s student base. The reality is:

You’re never too old to learn and benefit from the opportunities that a college education can provide you with, including helping to advance your career.

So, what’s the takeaway here? Don’t let age hold you back.

The cost of higher education

Of course, studying comes hand-in-hand with high costs. Tuition fees don’t come cheap.

But it’s good to bear in mind that there are student loans available that can help you to get started out. These funds are ones you need to pay back, of course, but the chances are that your degree will increase your income and make these costs feasible. Plus, if times get tougher than they are now, you could always consider debt relief for student loans.

To advance your career, flexibility is important

Another matter that concerns potential students is convenience. If you head to higher education straight from high school, the chances are you have few responsibilities or worries.

But over the years you move away from the family home and have to pay rent or mortgage payments. You might have a family of your own, and then there are childcare costs too. The bills seem to keep coming.

The good news is that most universities and colleges now offer more flexibility than ever. Online courses, part-time courses, and other alternatives could make studying a more feasible option for you as some are more affordable than others and also have a lot of flexibility.

Choosing to study or undergo training on a more flexible basis can allow you to carry on with your life and fit in your training or courses around your existing commitments. It is important you are able to practice good time management skills especially if undertaking project management training to allow you to make any live classes, complete assignments on time, and still take care of everything else you may have to go on. As an older student, in most cases, there are other demands on your time as well as needing to continue to keep up with your financial obligations too.

Getting started with higher education

If the above information has helped to clear up your concerns and doubts, it’s time to get started with your studies and progress along your career path as a result. Research institutions and courses to find the best option for your needs.

Higher education for career advancement

As you can see, higher education is a great option for anyone looking to change or progress in their career. Hopefully, the above information will help you along the way.