Deciding to return to study is a big deal

Take a look at the modern education system and what it has to offer you.

There are huge benefits to pursuing further education at any stage in life. Education broadens your horizons and equips you with new skills that you can apply to your existing job or future career transitions.

Beyond that, education is a great way of keeping the mind fresh and young. If you're working your brain every day and always learning, it's much easier to stay sharp and on top of things.

However, the decision to return to study isn't a simple one. The older we get, the easier it is to make excuses. After all, we do have a lot more commitments and a lot more going on in our lives. However, at the end of the day, you have to do what’s right for you. That process starts with getting the answers to these questions.

Am I choosing the right qualification?

This is the kind of question that can only be answered by you. It comes down to three main factors. The first is where you are in your career right now. Will this qualification add value to your daily work? Will it help you do your job better?

Often, a qualification doesn't have to be directly related to your job to make an improvement to how you do it. For example, a BSB51415 Diploma of Project Management can provide value in a wide variety of careers and industries.

The second question that you need to answer is where you want to be. Do you need a qualification to get that dream job? Will further study help you get into the career path that you've always wanted? This is the reason most people return to study – to get ahead in their career.

The third question you need to ask is what this qualification will add to you as a person. What can it do for your own development, to shape you into the parent/partner/person that you ultimately want to be?

Once you've got some idea of the answers to these questions, you'll understand the value of the qualification, and what it can do for you.

What types of learning styles does modern education cater to?

Learning styles differ widely between people. Some of us learn better via auditory methods, whereas for some of us, seeing things in action is the best way to learn. For others still, writing notes by hand is the most effective learning method, as opposed to typing them on a computer.

Regardless of your learning style, most quality education institutions will provide some way for you to learn that suits you. Gone are the days of a lecturer droning at students and expecting them to soak up valuable information. Today, you can utilise a wide range of resources to absorb as much course content as possible.

What level of help and support can I expect?

The level of help and support you receive depends entirely on the institution. Most reputable education providers will provide you guidance on administrative issues, such as course requirements and how to get through different procedural issues.

You'll also be able to access your educators for help with course content, including answering any questions you may have about the specifics of what you're learning, and any further steps you can take to expand your knowledge.

Of course, you'll need to complete assessments yourself – the entire point of further education is to make sure you've learnt something, so assessment items are largely up to you.

How much does it cost?

Education costs vary. Whether you pursue a Bachelor's Degree, a Diploma or a Certificate III or IV can have a great influence on how much you can expect to pay. Depending on your life circumstances and your level of advancement in your chosen career, you can either pay upfront or defer payment.

In some cases, the government will pay the costs of your education upfront and you will need to pay it back once you've reached a certain income threshold.

Of course, "cost" is relative to value. If gaining new qualifications will greatly improve your quality of life, or allow you to pursue new roles that pay more than your existing one, it can definitely be worth it. Having that extra level of disposable income can be absolutely life-changing, even if it doesn't seem like much until you get it.

Will my new qualifications help my career?

Whether or not your new qualifications make a valuable contribution to your career depends entirely on what qualifications you pursue. If it's relevant to your role, or can somehow be applied, then new qualifications absolutely will help your career.

Studies have shown that more highly qualified people tend to end up at higher levels within organisations, and subsequently command a higher salary. In fact, that is one of the main reasons people pursue further education – to increase their earning capabilities. If this is your ultimate goal, then additional qualifications will certainly help get you there.

Will my employer respect my qualifications?

For the most part, yes. Employers respect initiative and ability. If you've made the effort to go out and obtain increased qualifications, and have the skill development to show for it, then it is very likely that your employer will acknowledge that.

Of course, it's up to you to leverage your new qualifications into a pay raise or a promotion. How your employer perceives your value also depends on how you present the value you obtained from your education. If you genuinely learned something and feel like you have more to contribute, make that abundantly clear.

What are the personal bonuses?

There are significant advantages to study that impact things beyond your professional career. By studying, you open your mind to new ideas and new ways of doing things. You expose yourself to alternative viewpoints, which can greatly enhance your ability to think outside the box and provide novel solutions to old problems.

Additionally, you might make some friends! Networking among your fellow students can provide great value further down the road, whether personally or professionally.

Get in touch with us to have a chat about your options. We’ll help you plan out your career path and get where you want to be.