HEADING BACK TO SCHOOL CAN BENEFIT CAREER, ATTITUDE Matter of degrees

Thinking about going back to school? Before you head back to the hallowed halls of academia, remember that working toward a degree takes time and money. While your additional education may not always pay off in your current or future job, there’s always value in gaining additional knowledge, no matter how old you are. But don’t dive in without checking the water; it’s imperative to do extensive research before signing on with any educational institution.

“Do your homework and research college websites for programs that interest you,” says Martha Jordan, director of Adult Learner Advocacy at Penn State University.

Jordan has found that most adult learners take about two years to actually begin this process and follow through. “Contact the school to speak with an admission counselor about your interests in the program and its entry requirements,” Jordan says. “If you’re going back to school to improve your work situation, speak with a career resource person—will this program provide a skill set for the type of career that interests you?”

The same goes for financial aid. “There are many services that will charge you for access to outside scholarships,” Jordan says. “But the best option is to contact the financial aid office at the college and use their free resources for specific funding or loan accessibility. This is best handled by the experts in a financial aid office or by gathering information from their website.”

Once you enter a program, don’t expect to feel comfortable right away. “Start taking small steps,” says Amy Olmscheid, career center manager for Capella University, an online accredited school. “With the first couple of assignments, really listen to feedback from your instructor or professor. You may not be doing everything right, but that’s how you learn. You have to acknowledge that there’s going to be a learning curve.”

Balancing school, work and family may be more difficult to navigate for some. If you’re one of those people, be patient and remind yourself it’s not forever.

“Especially if someone has a lot of priorities at home, they may feel guilty for taking time away from their spouse or children,” Olmscheid says. “Some people may realize that in the long term this is going to be really good for their family, but in the short term, it can be really challenging. They have to make some compromises and just remember that this is short term.”

And then, once school starts and the balancing act is in progress, work hard and enjoy the ride. “Be prepared to feel a bit scared, excited, unsure, while building more and more confidence along the way,” says Lauren Anuskewicz, director of recruitment and external relations of Colorado State University, Global Campus. “It’s very rewarding.”