30 Year Old Student
No matter what age you are, going to school can seem quite daunting, and this is true whether you’re in your budding twenties or well into your adulthood at 30.
It can be quite a puzzle to be able to juggle a day job and being a student. While at the same time being a parent, if you have a family that you might be questioning your ability to ace your next exam.
Is 30 too old for university? Age should never be a barrier when it comes to learning. Around 40% of mature students who attend university are over the age of 30. Meanwhile, some are even in their fifties and sixties, all of whom have their own families and full-time jobs.
This post will discuss both pros and cons of attending college as a mature or adult student.
Reasons To Get Your Degree At 30 Is A Good Idea
More often than not, having a degree indicates whether or not you can succeed in any given career. According to a 2017 study, applicants who have a degree were far more likely to be hired.
It is compared to those without a college education. Even still, the idea of going back to school in your thirties gets no less daunting than in your twenties.
The usual but many uncertainties of being a college student are still ever-present, no matter how mature you may be.
These uncertainties may be in the form of not juggling your time with your family and your time at work with your time in school. It may also be your struggle to understand the coursework required for you to pass any given subject.
Regardless of this, getting a degree is sure to be worth your while in the long run, even if it can get quite tricky and daunting at times.
The good news is that those mature students or people in their thirties and beyond are perfectly conditioned to earn their college degrees.
You’re Ready to Refine Your Skills
One of the very apparent benefits of going back to college in your thirties is the first-hand experience you’ve amassed in the workforce for over a decade of tenure.
This fact gives you an edge over regular students without any practical experience in their resumes. You have had time to learn what you enjoy doing, what you’re good at, where you can improve, and how to improve the skills you already possess.
You may want some in-depth knowledge about a specific subject, or maybe you’re in college to gain some skill missing in your repertoire.
Whether it’s general knowledge in any given field or a particular skill set in any given profession, not having this knowledge with you may hinder the growth of your career.
Maybe you’re just in college for the sake of learning. Many people also choose to finish their studies simply for the sake of personal development.
Whether you aim to learn a new language or know more about practical financial planning, nothing should stop you from going for what you want.
It’s Time For A Career Change
While we’re on the topic of practical experiences, another fantastic benefit of going back to school a bit later in life is having a more developed sense of direction.
More often than not, students in their early twenties are still unsure about what they want to be studying. Because they have not had time to figure out what they genuinely want to be doing, they may realize after getting their degrees that working in the wrong field is not satisfying for them.
The primary advantage you have over regular students is your experiences in the workforce. It is also why it will be easier for you if you’re aiming to shift careers and attend college to realize that goal.
Being more mature means that you may have more of an idea of what you like and dislike. This also means that you can be more confident, convicted, and focused on your goals.
You’ve Reached An Impasse In Earning Potential
Often, adults go back to college because, for some, that directly translates to an increase in their salaries. Completing your bachelor’s degree can, more often than not, lead to more opportunities and unlock promotions for your career growth.
According to studies, finishing your degree can get you right on track for a promotion and earn 46% more than people who do not have a degree.
Furthermore, a college degree can show employees that you are motivated and can improve on various sets of skills while showing off your flexibility and ability to manage your tasks.
Some potential growths in your career when you finish your studies may include:
- a higher salary because of increased performance
- better assignments as well as greater responsibilities
- consideration for promotion and new opportunities within the company
You Want to Grow Your Professional Network
Heading back into college allows you to interact with promising young colleagues directly. It includes seasoned professionals like instructors, lecturers and specialists, and even groups of like-minded alumni.
While some may see this as a bonus, some people in their thirties find that pursuing further education helps them extend their social and professional networks.
Going back to college to acquire mentorship and interact with potential future colleagues is a fantastic way to further your career.
It will provide you an edge in the ever-changing landscape of the workforce helping you be relevant and competitive.
This endeavor also exposes you to new trends, publications, data, learning methods, and disseminating information. This influx of new knowledge and background can potentially propel your career.
Reasons Why Getting Your Degree At 30 Is A Bad Idea
Maybe you’re hesitating about filling that application form and making the leap. Perhaps you’re chomping at the fact of going back to school.
You have to honestly assess your goals and consider the impact of picking up a degree program on your current lifestyle. To keep yourself from wasting your resources and time, here are four reasons why you should maybe put off going back to college for another time.
You’re Bored
Even though going back to college is a good idea, you’d be mistaken if you think the process will be a walk in the park.
One of the primary reasons students fail college the first time is their inability to manage their commitments to the academy. Make sure you’re genuine and honest with yourself, as completing a degree is a significant endeavor.
It is the farthest thing from easy – even more so if you’re juggling a family, a full-time job, and now, your coursework. Universities offer online degree programs to help adult students complete their coursework despite their hectic schedules and responsibilities.
Make sure to manage your tasks wisely, and feel free to ask for help if you need it. Remember to use your resources wisely, like learning centers, online portals, study groups, and one-on-one sessions to their fullest potentials. Do not go back to school simply because “you’re bored.”
You Do Not Know What To Do With Your Life
Another factor why many young students fail to complete college the first time is because they are not sure what career or field to pursue.
If you have stopped before and are still unsure of what to do in college, enrolling without a clear path may not be a good thing in the long run.
Make sure to prepare for college by reassessing your goals for your goals whatever they may be. Aiming for a clear vision will help you focus in school ultimately, helping you reach your goals that much faster.
Landing Your Dream Job
While there is, undoubtedly, a direct correlation between employability or your earning potential to the degree you’re pursuing, make sure not to make the mistake of thinking that your job will be handed to you the next time you re-apply for the workforce.
Be it advancing and staying on top of your classes to gunning for an executive leadership position in a company. In every field, there are demands for a continued commitment and hard work.
You get more skills and adapt, which allows you to keep up with the demands of the occupation. Be realistic and manage your expectations. Assess and keep in mind what real growth in your designated career would look like and act accordingly.
Being Older Does Not Mean Being The Perfect Student
More often than not, adult students believe that their track record and employment history automatically makes them the perfect student.
If you think that a degree program cannot be any more complicated than actually holding down a full-time job, then maybe you should reassess things before you enroll.
Remember that learning, honing your existing skills, and developing yourself as a professional is much more critical than an A+ in your next project.
Sometimes, you may even put in an excessive amount of effort in your paper and still get a B, which is okay. What is important is that you’re working towards your long-term goals and are never losing sight of it as you go along.
Conclusion
There are so many reasons why adults go back to college to finish their degrees. Be it a chance to propel their careers forward or a simple nudge to learn new things, as long as people work hard, attending college is a rewarding experience.
It can be a new source of inspiration, experience, as well as a great way to expand your connections outside of the workforce.
