Returning to Education as a Mature Student: A Transformative Journey
Returning to education as a mature student is a bold and inspiring choice that can open doors to new opportunities and personal growth. While the path may seem daunting, taking the first step toward your dream career can be both rewarding and empowering. Recently, Dr. Nicola Porter, an experienced career advisor, led a session for adults considering this significant life change. The discussion focused on clarifying career goals, selecting the right course, enhancing employability, and overcoming fears, offering valuable insights for anyone contemplating this journey.
Clarifying Career Goals
One of the key takeaways from the session was the importance of clarity in career direction. Nicola encouraged participants to envision their dream job and the emotions tied to achieving it. This exercise served as a motivating force to identify concrete goals. For those uncertain about their path, she suggested “career experiments” such as volunteering, job shadowing, or informational interviews to gain firsthand experience and refine their objectives.
Choosing the Right Course
Selecting the right course is pivotal, and Nicola shared practical strategies to ensure informed decisions. Attending open days, speaking with current students and lecturers, and even sitting in on a class can provide valuable insights into the course structure and expectations. She highlighted the importance of researching accreditation, industry relevance, and future earning potential while considering practical elements like work experience and support systems for mature students.
Networking for Career Success
Networking emerged as a powerful tool for career advancement, with Nicola citing a 2021 survey revealing that 79% of vacancies in Scotland were filled through personal recommendations. Building connections during your studies—through lecturers, extracurricular activities, and professional associations—can significantly enhance employability. Developing a consistent LinkedIn presence was emphasized as an effective way to showcase your skills and engage with potential employers.
Overcoming Fears and Doubts
Taking the leap back into education can be intimidating, but Nicola encouraged participants to challenge assumptions and gather reliable information to dispel doubts. Forming study groups, utilizing MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), and exploring springboard courses were recommended as practical starting points. Nicola also stressed the importance of embracing lifelong learning and taking incremental steps toward larger goals.
Balancing Life and Education
Balancing work, family, and studies can be challenging, but planning and self-reflection are key. Nicola introduced the SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) as a tool to identify areas for improvement and repurpose existing skills. She also shared strategies for effective time management, such as auditing daily activities and setting clear boundaries.
Addressing Ageism and Career Transitions
For those transitioning careers, Nicola acknowledged the challenges posed by ageism and the need for a degree. She suggested leveraging life experiences, exploring alternative assessment methods, and distributing household responsibilities to create a supportive environment.
By embracing change and leveraging available resources, mature students can turn their aspirations into reality.
Returning to education as an adult is not just about academic growth—it’s a transformative journey of rediscovery and empowerment. With clarity, preparation, and the right mindset, this bold step can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful career.
You can connect with Dr. Nicola Porter via LinkedIn HERE
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