Counseling Education

Five Great Reasons to Go Back to College as an Adult

Adult learning is not for everyone. Some of us couldn't wait to leave school and are content learning new skills on the job in the workplace. However, for many people, embarking on a path of learning as an adult is exciting. It is a chance to learn new things and make new connections. It can also be a great opportunity to take the next step in your chosen career path.

Learn New Skills

One of the main reasons why millions of adults sign up for education courses is to learn new skills. Sometimes this is because the school years passed in a blur of socializing and extracurricular activities, but in other cases school was so long ago that charting out new areas is the only way to make any progress in the workplace.

Improve Your Employment Prospects

The employment market is one tough place. Millions of people are competing for the few jobs available on a daily basis, so the more skills and qualifications you can put on your CV when you apply for a new position, the better off you'll be. These days, a degree is the minimum you need for many careers, so it is often helpful to study towards a graduate degree to differentiate you from the other applicants. Other specialized qualifications can be an advantage, if your chosen career path is particularly competitive.

Further Your Career

Too often, we start our careers and after a few years, it feels like we are stuck in a career cul-de-sac while others are being promoted. This is often demoralising and difficult to deal with, but one answer is to consider furthering your education to show your employer that you have a commitment to improving your skills in the workplace. If the course of study is relevant to your employer, he might also be willing to help with tuition.

A New Career Direction

When you find yourself unexpectedly out of a job, or your career is not everything you hoped it might be, it can be an opportunity to rethink your career path and consider the prospect of embarking on a completely new one. With this in mind, try researching some adult learning courses and see which subject areas appeal to you. The education world is your oyster and even if you only want to study part-time, there are hundreds of different courses available to adults.

Expand Your Mind

Learning does not have to be for a specific reason; it is perfectly acceptable to undertake a further education course for personal development rather than career advancement. Learning some new subjects via an adult education course, whether you decide to go back to college or sign up for an online course, can expand your mind and is a great way to spend your leisure time. Start learning and see where your education takes you.

About the Author: Lorraine went back to school to get a healthcare administration MBA. Because of her experience, she recently was able to help a friend apply for an international business MBA.

Image credit: woodleywonderworks on Flickr