7 things to bear in mind if you’re planning to go back to college

Brought to you by Griffith College. 

It may be time to take the leap.

People choose to go back to college in later life for lots of different reasons. Maybe you made a bad choice about college when you were younger but you now know what you want to do. You could be looking to upskill so you can climb the ladder at work. It could be that you've been out of the workforce for a while, whether that's because you wanted to raise a family or through circumstances outside of your control. That can be a good incentive to reassess your ambitions and gain some qualifications in an area that interests you. Going back to college is an opportunity to improve yourself and increase your chances of getting a job that you'll enjoy. It can be a daunting prospect if it's been a while since you hit the books but it's not as scary as you think. Here are a few things to consider if you're thinking about making the leap.

1. You're not the first one to do this

It may seem like a big step to take but people go back to college all the time. It's not such a big deal and the fact that you're even considering it shows that you're already in a good mental headspace. Look at it as something to get excited about rather than something to be afraid of!

2. What is the best way to learn for you?

Know yourself, as the old adage goes. What type of learning best suits you? Would a distance learning course give you a flexible, low-risk option? Or do you prefer the structure you get from evening classes or formal teaching environments? Think about which option is most likely to lead to success then plan accordingly.

3. Think carefully about what course to do

Do something you love and something that interests you. However, you also need to think about what options a course will give you. How can doing this course improve your situation? What jobs can you hope to qualify for as a result of your studies? Do something you're passionate about but do something that can actually benefit you in the long run.

4. Forget about pros and cons

Have you been doing up a list of pros and cons about going back to college? If you're giving it this much thought, the chances are that you really want to do it. The only thing holding you back is the fear of failure but you'll regret it more if you don't give it a go.

5. You'll need to be flexible

If you're planning to study while working or aiming to squeeze your course in around your family responsibilities, it's going to require some discipline. Not to mention flexibility. It may be a case of finding some time to study at the edges of your day. This can be a bit of extra pressure but just focus on the outcome and keep reminding yourself why you're doing this.

6. Try to clear your schedule as much as possible

College can be time-consuming and there'll be times when it feels like there just aren't enough hours in the day. Before you start, try to reduce your commitments and responsibilities as much as you possibly can. Clear as much as you can from your weekly schedule so you're not putting unnecessary pressure on yourself during term time.

7. Nothing prepares you to go back to college like going back to college

It's easy to get hung up on all the things that you need to do before you go back to college. Still, it's a bit like having kids. There'll never be a perfect time so just dive in! You'll pick it up as you go and having the desire to do it is probably the most important prerequisite anyway. Griffith College is now taking applications for part-time and full-time courses so it's a perfect time to weigh up your options and see what courses are available. Jump ahead in your career with a part-time course from Griffith College with courses across Business, Computing, Design, Law and Journalism and Media. For more information on courses, check out the Griffith College website.  Brought to you by Griffith College.