Going back to school is a smart career step, but it adds another role of being “the student,” on top of being an employee, parent, spouse or friend. Check out (and check off) these 10 tips to staying motivated as an adult student.
1. Get to know fellow students. Exchange contact information with at least one classmate who could serve as a study partner and encourage you (and vice versa) to stay on track with assignments.
2. Take meetings with advisors seriously. Explain scheduling concerns and obligations such as work and children. The advisor can help you map out a personalized educational path.
3. Be a planner. Set your class and study schedule well in advance to avoid conflicts with work and other obligations. Online classes also offer the convenience of learning anytime, anywhere.
4. Downsize the pressure. Special learning opportunities can give you knowledge and skills to succeed. For example, Central Georgia Technical College (centralgatech.edu) offers Adult Ed 101 classes that review critical skills.
5. Seek financial help. Financial aid is not limited to traditional college students. Scholarships are available for adult learners, through your schools and listed on sites such as scholarshipworkshop.com.
6. Look into prep programs. Some schools offer programs that help prepare students for the academic environment. For example, Kennesaw State University (ksu.edu) has First-Year Seminars that discuss study skills, and time and money management.
7. Investigate child care on campus. Many schools, such as Atlanta Technical College, Georgia State University and Gwinnett Technical College, offer day care services (see more schools listed on collegesimply.com/colleges/georgia/colleges-with-daycare).
8. Know your learning style. A quiz at educationplanner.org can help you determine which of the three main styles you have:
• Visual learners benefit from using study tools such as diagrams and highlighters and should sit near the front of the class.
• Auditory learners memorize material best by explaining it out loud to others.
• Kinesthetic learners do better when they physically do things such as making sticky notes or clicking on a screen.
9. Make time for networking. Attend networking events offered by colleges, schools and industry groups to learn about job opportunities and make a smooth transition into a new career.
10. Connect with your professors. Take advantage of office hours or reach out virtually to ask your professor questions and ease anxiety over assignments.
