Boost Your Career: Why Returning to Studies Pays Off

Last Updated on February 18, 2024

Whether you are seeking a higher-paying career to immerse yourself in, or aiming to advance to the next level in your current path, returning to education could be a key strategy for achieving your goals.

No matter your life stage or experience level, university education is accessible to everyone. If you’ve already completed a degree, consider pursuing a postgraduate qualification to significantly enhance your earning potential.

Picking Up The Academic Confidence You Need

Whether you’ve never attended university or are contemplating it later in life, it’s never too late to pursue a degree. Concerns about lacking experience for your application or doubts about your academic abilities, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the academic environment, are common. However, these should not deter you. Many courses are designed to bridge the gap to a degree, providing a stepping stone if you’re not feeling fully prepared.

Learning how to study effectively is a crucial aspect of the educational journey. A short course focused on developing your study skills might be just what you need to realize education is indeed the right path for you.

Finding The Right Type Of Study for You

There are more study options available now than ever before. For those inclined, full-time, taught courses are a traditional choice. However, if you want to balance your current career or manage childcare responsibilities, part-time study options are available at numerous institutions, as well as online courses.

Online courses provide top-notch academic resources and even offer advanced degrees, like the Master of Finance course at Northeastern University. Concerns that an online degree may not be as valued as a traditional, in-person degree are unfounded. Degrees earned online from reputable institutions are equally respected and stand on par with those obtained through on-campus programs.

What You Need To Decide When Picking Your Course

When considering your educational options, it’s important to reflect on several key questions to determine what you aim to gain from your degree:

– What are your career aspirations post-graduation?
– Are you open to relocating for your studies, and if so, to which locations?
– Do you plan to continue working while studying?
– What is your budget for your education, and how do you plan to finance it?

Addressing these questions can help you choose a course that aligns best with your unique needs and goals.

“Everyone wants to be successful in their lives and careers- it is what many of us spend decades striving for and what many of us feel proud to achieve. If you want to get ahead in your career and make a difference you must be willing to always keep an open mind, and understand that there will always be something new for you to learn. It is impossible for anyone to know everything, and you need to stay willing to learn new things every single day.” – Learn Something New

Being A Mature Student

Concerns about being older than other students and the potential challenges it may bring are common, but in reality, these worries are often unfounded. In most courses, you’ll find a diverse age range, and being a mature student is not uncommon. Students of all ages typically exhibit a mature approach to their studies, especially considering that many are investing significantly and taking on debt to earn their qualifications. Often, younger students are among the most motivated and dedicated in the classroom.

Understand That There Is A Lot Of Work Associated With Studying For A Degree

There’s a common misconception that students are not hard-working or productive. This view, often held by those who have never experienced university life, is based on the assumption that student life is easy due to relatively fewer lectures and a lack of direct supervision. While it’s true that many courses might only require a few key assignments, such as research papers, practical projects, or exams, the workload to complete these tasks is often substantial. These assignments can demand hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of dedicated effort, challenging students to apply their knowledge, research skills, and critical thinking.

Recognize that your individual assignments could span an entire semester or more. To manage this, establish a strict study schedule that initiates your reading and research for assignments well in advance. Avoid procrastinating and leaving tasks until the last minute.

Additionally, adopt a proactive approach. In the university setting, you won’t have someone constantly overseeing your work, so your success is largely in your own hands. It’s crucial to take initiative and be self-motivated to achieve your academic goals.

Manage Your Stress

To ensure success in your studies, effective workload management, and stress reduction are key. This includes prioritizing adequate sleep, which is crucial for information processing. Aiming for eight hours of sleep each night will help maintain mental focus and optimize your working capacity. Additionally, sufficient sleep plays a vital role in minimizing stress levels, supporting both your academic performance and overall well-being.

Incorporate regular breaks into your daily routine. A brief pause for a meal or to step away from your books and computer screen can significantly aid in refocusing and reducing stress.

Also, make time for exercise, whether it’s a leisurely walk outdoors or a gym session. Physical activity is a proven stress reliever and can greatly enhance your overall well-being while studying.

Paying attention to your diet and hydration is also crucial. Ensuring that you consume a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins is key to lowering stress levels and enhancing your ability to concentrate. A nutritious diet also plays a vital role in preventing you from becoming run-down or falling ill.

Balance Time With Those Who Are Important To You

Maintaining your relationships amidst a busy schedule is essential. It’s easy to unintentionally neglect partners, friends, children, and other family members when deeply engrossed in your studies.

Allocate specific time each week to nurture these important relationships. Doing so not only helps in preserving these bonds but also provides a necessary break from your studies, offering a chance to clear your mind and rejuvenate.