Considering Going Back to School? You May Have More Options Than You Think.

Benefits of Going Back to School

1. New career options – Going back to school opens new career opportunities for you. If you have a career goal in mind, the goal is likely more attainable through further education or a training program. Receiving a higher education can open doors to employment opportunities or allow you to move up to a higher position in your industry.
2. Learn soft skills – While you train on technical skills, going back to school can also help you become equipped with a new set of soft skills. Through your studies, you may improve time management skills, how to work as part of a team, communication, and active listening, to name a few. All these skills are valuable professionally and within your day-to-day life.
3. Create connections – Returning to school may help you form relationships with your peers, as well as professional connections through your institution. Both connections are important – personal connections can create a support system and improve peer relationships within your industry, while professional connections through your institution can help you further your career after you finish your training.
4. Do something you love – Starting back at school can give you the opportunity to study something you love. Whether you are going to school to further the career you have already started, or you are changing careers, going back to school allows you to pursue something you are passionate about.

Higher Education Pathways

1. Trade school – Programs in trade schools center around a chosen occupation. For candidates who know the career they would like to pursue, trade school may be the best option. Students at trade schools typically complete their program and begin their careers sooner than those who pursue a 4-year degree. Because the programs at trade schools are specific to a certain career, students have a clear career pathway to follow once they finish their training.
2. Community college – With rising tuition costs, community college may be an attractive option for students looking to return to school on a budget. Students can attend community college to obtain an associate degree (a two-year degree if they attend full-time) or to earn some college credits. Then they may choose to transfer to a four-year college to complete a degree or to start working. Community college may be a good option for students who have more time to invest in school before pursuing their career.
3. Four-year college – Four-year college may be a good option for students who can invest more time and money into college. For candidates who do not have a specific career in mind or need a four-year degree to achieve their career goal, a four-year college can be a desirable choice. However, obtaining a four-year degree can be expensive, and statistics show that only 41% of full-time students graduate in four years.
4. Online courses – Many students looking to return to school might look towards online programs such as career-focused programs or intensive bootcamps. Online programs may work well for students who want to return to school while maintaining flexibility and can study from the comfort of their home.

Tips for Returning Back to School

1. Make a plan – Having a clear goal can help you when returning to school. If you have an idea of the career you would like to pursue, how long you would like to commit to a program, and how you would like to learn (online vs. in-person), you should be more successful in transitioning back into an educational environment.
2. Find a school that matches your goals – It is important to find a school that matches your goals and values when returning to school. If you can, tour the potential campus and ask questions about the resources the school offers and the length of the programs. Finding a school that will support you while you reach your goals will help you engage in returning to school and find success both in school and after graduation.
3. Utilize your support system – Learning anything new can be stressful, so naturally you may experience some difficulties returning to school. When that happens, make sure to utilize your support system. Having friends or family around when you are feeling stressed or burnt out to talk to can be incredibly helpful. On top of that, utilize the resources and support systems offered to you by your school. You can ask your instructors, tutors, or mentors for help if you are ever struggling with going back to school. They may have the tools to help you find success.
4. Stay organized with a schedule – One of the best ways to stay on track when going back to school is by creating a schedule. Having time set aside for studying and homework can help you stay on top of your schoolwork while feeling organized. Creating a schedule so that studying becomes a seamless part of your routine will create good habits and promote success in your program.

SCI

Whether you want to work hands-on as a welder or HVAC technician, behind the scenes as an administrative assistant, or directly with patients in the healthcare industry, SCI offers training to support you on your journey. With eight campuses in Texas along with online programs, it is SCI’s mission to provide employer-tailored programs to students. To learn more about the programs, start dates, and financial aid, click here.