How To Go Back to School: It's Easier Than You Think
Have you been thinking about going back to school or continuing your education
, but aren't sure how to get started? Does going back to school seem like a great idea, but too much of a hassle or obstacle to overcome?
Like most things in life, going back to school might seem next to impossible at the beginning. But by breaking down the process into several simple steps, it can be more manageable than you ever thought possible.
Don't let your fear of going back to school stand in the way of furthering your education, advancing your career, and putting some extra money in your pocket.Here are some tips for getting started.
Talk to Your Boss
Is there a certain position at your company or your industry that you're aiming for? It might be helpful to talk to your boss, or another mentor figure, about your education and career goals to see what degree or field of study will be best for you. He or she may be able to recommend a certain school, program, or concentration that will give you the skills you need to succeed in the position you want.
While you're asking about future career plans, now's also a great time to also find out about your company's continuing education policy. Many companies will pay part, if not all, of an employee's tuition (and sometimes even book and lab fees), especially if you're planning to stay with your employer and advance your career there.
Once your boss knows your career plans, he or she may also be able to grant you flex time or move your schedule around to accommodate your class schedule. In short, going back to school may seem impossible if you work full-time, but speaking with your employer about your plans may open the door to possibilities you never knew existed.
Consider Certificate & Diploma Programs
When you think about going back to school, the first thing that may come to mind is a four-year bachelor's program. But there are other options out there than can give you the skills you need, build on your existing education and experience, and help you advance your career in far less time.
Depending on what your ultimate goals are, a certificate or diploma program might be right for you. These courses tend to be highly focused on imparting specific skills or knowledge, meaning if you're a graphic designer aiming to learn more programming code, a certificate or diploma may be perfect for you.
Not only will a certificate or diploma course build off your existing education and experience, but because they're shorter than a four-year bachelor's degree, they can save you some serious cash.
Check Out Online Options
One of the biggest hindrances to continuing your education is probably time commitment. Let's face it: if you work full-time or have kids, or both, you don't have time to attend lectures and discussion sessions in the middle of the day.
Lucky for you, the education landscape has changed drastically in the past few years. Now instead of trying to figure out how to scoot over to campus on your lunch break, you can take classes on your schedule. Many universities and colleges now offer online options, which mean you can schedule your classes and study time for when it's most convenient for you.
Contact Schools For More Information
Now that you've narrowed down which field and which degree is right for your goals, you'll need to pick a school and a program. Start by picking a few schools in your area, and request information on their programs or to speak directly with an admissions counselor. Many schools offer flexible options for returning students; for example, most
MBA programs have a nights and weekends program designed specifically for those students working full-time jobs. You may be surprised how many options there are that will work for you and your schedule.
How To Go Back to School: It's Easier Than You Think
By: Noel Rozny
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