New Year, New Career: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself About Going Back to School

When a new year comes around we often look at our lives and set goals for ourselves or reevaluate certain paths we’re taking. For many people, that can include their career path. 

Five Questions to Ask Yourself Before Researching Schools 

Whether you want to further your education or go back to school in order to change your career, in this post we’re going to dive into 10 questions that you should ask yourself about going back to school. 

First, we’re going to focus on five questions to consider before you start looking for a potential school. These questions will help you narrow down what kind of institution you need to look for. For example, do you need to find an online school or can you fit in-person classes into your schedule? 

Why Am I Going Back to School?

First and foremost: what is driving your desire to return to school? Maybe you want to change your career path entirely, or your current industry is changing, and you want to update your current skill set. Or perhaps you never pursued a higher education the first time around, and you want to earn your degree. 

Whether your reason is personal fulfillment or professional advancement, it’s important to know clearly why you want to return to school. 

What Do I Want to Study?

When deciding you’re ready to further your education or pursue higher education for the first time, it’s essential to know what you want to study. Are you looking to further your current career or are you interested in going down an entirely different career path? Is this related to your career at all or are you pursuing a certificate or degree in something that’s always interested you? 

What Can I Fit Into My Current Schedule?

After deciding that you want to go back to school and what you want to study, you need to figure out what you can fit into your current schedule. How much free time do you currently have? What other commitments (work, children, etc.) do you have to keep in mind? 

The answer to this question will narrow down what institution will work the best for you — something completely in-person, something with a hybrid schedule, evening classes, or something completely online. 

How Will I Pay For School?  

The cost of higher education is another factor you have to consider before committing to anything. This can also help you narrow down your list of institutions to consider. Ask yourself: What is the total cost of the program? Does the institution offer financial aid or grants? Are there scholarships you can apply for? Is there any type of payment plan? 

How Can I Prepare For Going Back to School? 

Before taking the plunge and signing up for a program, there are some things you can do to set yourself up for success. 

This can include: 

• Defining your goals and having a clear understanding of what type of program you want to pursue and why 
• Get your finances in order
• Build a support system you can rely on
• Prepare your schedule 
• Refresh your skills 
• Prepare a study area or system 
• Embrace a growth mindset — go in open-minded and celebrate the small wins 

Five Questions to Ask About Potential Schools

Now that you know why you want to go back to school and what you want to study, you need to find an institution that works for you. In this section, we’ll highlight five questions to consider when finding the right school. 

Is This School Accredited? 

First and especially important: Is the school you’re considering accredited? 

Accreditation is important because it ensures you’re receiving a high-quality education. When an institution is accredited, that means it was evaluated by an independent and recognized accrediting body and was found to meet specific standards. 

You can visit a school’s website to find its accreditation information. 

Does this School Offers Programs Aligned with Your Goals? 

Next you need to consider if the school offers the program you’re interested in or one that closely aligns with your goals. Does the program offer the skills or certifications you want to earn? What are the graduation rate and job placement rates for the program? 

How Flexible is the Program? 

If you’ve narrowed down your list to a handful of institutions or programs, next consider which ones will fit into your schedule. Is the program flexible, such as a hybrid program or something completely online? Are you able to work at your own pace or are there strict deadlines? What is the school’s policy on transferring credits or taking a break if you need to? 

What Support Services are Available for Students? 

Going back to school is hard. It’s a commitment to spending a lot of time and money on something, so it’s important to consider what kind of support a school can offer if you run into any issues. Does the school offer tutoring or any kind of academic advising? Is there career counseling or any department that helps you prepare for finding a job after graduation? For an online program, is there technical support available? 

Does the School Offer Financial Aid? 

Last but not least, does the school offer financial aid, grants, or payment plans? Look at the total cost of the program and take into account what that includes. Will you have to pay separately for books, software, or certifications? If the program requires any kind of lab time or equipment, is that included in the tuition, or is that a separate fee? 

Is Bryan University the Right School for Your Future? 

By asking yourself these questions and more, and doing the necessary research, you can feel confident finding the right school for you and the goals you’ve set for yourself. 

At Bryan University, we believe in liberating the innate greatness in people. BU graduates are prepared with the knowledge and practical skills they need to directly transition into professional careers. 

BU offers programs in-person at our campus in Tempe, Arizona, as well as programs that are 100% online. Learn more about the programs we offer online today or call us directly at 888-768-6861! 

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