Are you thinking about going to college or possibly returning for more post-secondary education?
Choosing a post-secondary program is a big investment of time and money. Typically, you will want to make the right decision the first time before you dive into a program. Whether it is a community college program or a graduate degree picking a program, that peaks your interests and passions is always important.
With so many choices of programs, school locations, and academic delivery options it is important to do what is right for you.
My journey…
When I first began my pursuit of post-secondary selection I was only 18 years old. I knew that I wanted to be in the helping profession, but also had an interest in business. I started with a Child and Youth Worker program, then switched to a Social Service Worker program. I loved the program, but still, it was not totally where I wanted to stay long-term. I knew I wanted more than a diploma, so after some research and applications I was enrolled in a Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations program. Finally, I topped it off with a University Certificate in Career Development. I wanted to be a specialist in Career Services, so choosing a final certificate in career development, seemed like the right choice.
Making Informed Choices
Choosing a program can be daunting, but if you take your time and do your research on careers, it can help you to make a more informed choice.
Let’s take a look at some of the things you should consider when returning to school.
Determine your interests – There is a multitude of programs you can take in post-secondary. Deciding on what you want to do in the long term should align with your values, passions, and interests. Before you choose a program think about connecting with others in the industry you are looking to study to see what kinds of opportunities are available in the field and what it is like to work in the industry. Volunteering to get some exposure to the industry is also another way you can get some insight into a particular occupation.
Decide on the method of delivery – In today’s tech world, there are various options when it comes to education delivery. Some universities and colleges are completely online, some offer a hybrid option, and some are completely in-person. Now that we have experienced the COVID world, where everything was forced online for a few years, many programs will now likely offer a variety of choices when it comes to instruction delivery. If you aren’t able to take time away from your full-time job, then considering full online delivery might be the best option for you, and vice versa.
Think about career paths – Often people start their work in one field and then move on to another one during their career. In the present time, people are not expected to stay in the same job for 30 years as where in previous times they did. Many people often end up working in something completely different than what they studied for various reasons.
When it comes to a career path, as mentioned above, seek out professionals and research others on LinkedIn to see what got them to where they are now. Was it their education, their network, or something else? Also, consider the help of a career coach or counselor. They will also be able to help you to determine what skills you have and where they can be best used.
Be creative if you already have post-secondary education and think about what you can do with the courses and skills you have already obtained. There may be transferable skills that might be useful in a new field.
Costs involved – Think about how you are going to pay for school. Many schools offer bursaries and scholarships that can help you pay for school. You can check out the student services office at your prospective school to see what is available to you. If these don’t cover your expenses, then a student loan is another option. When it comes to preparing for school, consider your living expenses, along with education costs, especially if you are moving to another town or city for your education.
Get involved – Finally, get involved. Many people end up in a career because of an experience they had somewhere. Choices on what program to take can be influenced by personal experience or from a volunteer role they had. Many factors go into choosing a program. The best thing you can do to figure out what you want to do in your career is to get involved with others who have similar interests and goals.
Choosing a post-secondary program is a big choice and an investment. Making sure you are clear on what you want to do with your career can help make your college experience more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Want to learn more about career choices? Follow me on Instagram @BlissPlusYou or contact me via the contact page on this website.
Bliss + You 