FEATURE
Back to School:
YOU Are Worth the Investment
M
any of us spent a good part of our early lives counting the days until we could be done with homework, term papers, teachers and textbooks. At some point, as rocker Alice Cooper sings, “School’s out FOREVER!” Or is it? As the cliché goes, it’s never too late especially when it comes to heading back to school…as an adult. In the United States, as of 2018, adult learners or “non-traditional” students (typically defined as adults aged 25 or older), made up approximately 35% of the college population.1
Adult education has been shown to benefit the general economic and social health of society by providing opportunities for individuals to increase in competence, confidence and self-sufficiency.2 We talk to Susan Kolb, Senior Director of Admissions for Graduate & Adult Education at Alvernia University, to find out more about the importance of adult education and the efforts by Alvernia to encourage adult enrollment.
Why is adult education important for career advancement and transitions? “Upskilling or re-skilling is top of mind as people change whether they are moving up a role, taking on a different role or preparing to move into a different career entirely,” explains Kolb. She pointed out that while this fact has always been true, it is particularly relevant in the current environment as the pandemic wrought The Great Resignation/ Reshuffle. She points out that can mean finishing a degree, obtaining an advanced degree or obtaining a specific professional certification. However, Kolb points out there are benefits adult students gain beyond the diploma. Going back to school can enhance the “soft skills” that employers value like communication, critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork. “It takes determination to return to school,” Kolb points out. “It shows an employer you have a strong work ethic.” The adult education environment can also help you grow a professional network among your classmates, colleagues and professors. “You may find one of these contacts is who you want to be like someday,” says Kolb.
Do you think that adult education is more important for women? Kolb explains that one key motivational factor of returning to school as an adult is the ability to put yourself in the best possible position for success. “You want to be sure you have the credentials and the network needed to navigate the job market.” She credits Alvernia University and W2W as having women’s backs as they seek to pursue education, promotions or career changes. “Many women view adult education as an opportunity not simply to better themselves but to set an example for their families, to show what they can accomplish despite having so many other responsibilities,” Kolb says. Continued on page 20
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