Four Reasons Adults Should Pursue Further Education

Lots of us are glad to put our school days behind us, but for many, we’re not quite ready to give up learning. Higher education for adults can be very rewarding for all kinds of reasons, from increased earning power to just the joy of learning. Here are a few reasons to consider taking on the challenge of further education. 

school books, apple, blocks

Image – free for commercial use

  1. A change of career. If your current career isn’t fulfilling you, it might be time to consider a change of direction. Changing careers later in life can be difficult, but taking on some studies to learn the skills for a change of direction. Whether you take on an online MBA in data analytics to fit your studies around your current job, or leave your employment to go back to school to study business, there are lots of options to help you make a big change. 
  2. A promotion. We know that taking on more education can lead to a higher salary, but it can help you to lock down a promotion too. Businesses like to see staff who are self-motivated and putting in the work themselves to increase their skills and knowledge. If you’ve got your eye on a promotion at work, then taking the time to learn some of the new skills you’ll need will stand you in good stead. You could take a course in management, or take classes in something like SEO or digital marketing to increase your skills and impress your boss. 
  3. Enjoyment. Some people are just suited to the academic life and enjoy the challenge of learning new things. There are lots of options to learn in a relaxed way. Find local evening classes, join online courses or use learning apps to learn something like a new language or skills in something like web design, drawing or sewing. Education can be really enjoyable for those with a thirst for knowledge. 
  4. Better job options. Continuing your education is a great thing to put on your resume. Some jobs require you to have a certain amount of education, and adding to that can only make you stand out more from the rest of the crowd. If you’re up against several candidates for a job, having further qualifications and a clear indicator of your dedication your industry is a great way to stand out and look like the strongest candidate. Taking on more education shows you are determined and can face a challenge too, which are attractive qualities to any employer. Continuing your studies can also help you to stay on top of current trends in the industry, keeping your hand in the game and ready to take on new challenges. You’ll gain useful experience and be up to date with any developments in your industry. 

There are lots of great reasons to take on the challenge of pursuing further education, whether to improve your career options or just for the joy of learning new things. Take on further education by returning to college, studying online or taking classes in person or via apps to boost your knowledge. 

10 Comments

  • Kate Sarsfield

    I was always signing up for courses & did an Hons. degree while working. Now my time is spent looking after Mum I don’t get out as much but there are lots of recognised online courses available. There’s one I’m looking at: a diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Even if I never use it officially, it’s bound to come in handy!

    • Connie Gruning

      Kate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy would be an awesome specialty. I always wanted to be a teacher; then I had kids. Yeah…. I’m just thrilled with Mom status. Teacher of teens? Someone would be fired quick!

  • Tamra Phelps

    I definitely think further education can only benefit anyone. Even if you do it purely for enjoyment, you got that and you learned something, too.

    • Connie Gruning

      Tamra I’ve often thought of going back to school to write a book. HOWEVER…. between my spelling, grammar and over use of the !!!! I think they would throw me out or worse yet BREAK ME! Then you’d never know when my voice went high!!

  • Diane K. Brimmer

    Some really great information. My son in law worked at a family company since he was 16 and coud do everything on the machines in the machine shop. Although he didn’t have a degree in his field. He finally went back to school and got all his cerfications and degrees. Now he is really being paid for what he knows. Unfortunately he had to leave the family business.

  • Nidhi C

    I totally agree with you. Adults should pursue their further education. Especially for those who had to drop out because of financial or any other family reason. Thanks for all great points.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *