How To: Return To Education

Education is key in helping you get to where you want to with your career. However, it’s important to note that it is not just for young people. It is great for students of all ages looking to improve their career, their skills and their life. It can be challenging to settle into a new course if you haven’t formally studied for years. If you have other commitments such as work, looking after children or caring for a loved one, it can seem even more overwhelming. However, there are ways to make the process incredibly manageable.

Here is how to return to education.

The Program
If you are someone who can often be swamped by your pre-existing schedule, it’s important to choose a course that offers part-time hours or flexibility. It can also be an idea to look for something that is delivered somewhat or entirely online.

Many of these courses allow students to study at their own time and pace. This means that you can easily rearrange lessons if life gets in the way. If you are looking to complete a course in a shorter time frame, you will be able to move through a self-paced course quickly.

If you can dedicate more time to your study, full-time courses are just as valuable and will immerse you into the studies. Usually, institutes will offer a part-time and a full-time version of courses and will adapt the length accordingly.

Timing
One of the most valuable things you can learn when it comes to college is to manage your timing. Before your course begins, familiarise yourself with the timetable. Make sure you know where and when your classes are on. This is particularly important if you have other commitments and need to make arrangements accordingly.

As well as this, it’s important to note deadlines and submission dates for your assignments and to allocate appropriate time for each.

Support
Check out the support services available to you. Most colleges and universities will offer counselling or tutoring which can be extremely helpful for those feeling overwhelmed.

Be honest and open with your lecturers. Let them know if you need to miss a class for genuine reasons. Ask them for additional help if needed.

Those around you outside the course can also be a huge asset to you when returning to education. Ask them for help when you need it or even just to hear your ideas and read your assignments. An extra set of eyes looking over your work will always help.

Network
Returning to education will immerse you in a new environment surrounded by new people. It’s a wonderful opportunity to make new connections. Whether it’s professional, friendly or both, meeting people in college can make it incredibly enjoyable.

For online courses, connect with online portals, forums and groups. Even though you won’t be meeting these people day in and day out, you can still share the experience of learning new skills together.

As well as this, college is the perfect time to network with those in the field you plan to go into. Attend events, reach out to companies and meet with recruiters to experience aspects of your education that you won’t get in class.

Technology
Your education will only be improved by getting familiar with technology. Most institutions will help students get to grips with whatever technology they will be required to use during the course, no matter how simple it may seem.

If you still have questions after class, there are many different tutorials online that will help you understand different programmes and systems. Try to get as much practice as possible and soon you’ll be a pro.

Check out this post about the benefits of returning to education.