How to Ask for Advice When Going Back to College

You're thinking about going back to college, but you're having a hard time figuring out where to start. From friends and family members to posts on social media, it seems like everyone has advice for you. How can you know what type of advice to seek?

Ultimately, the best person to help you as you prepare for college is the one who will give good advice for your particular situation and circumstances. Consider asking for advice from school counselors, academic advisors, professors, and employers.

Read on as we discuss how to ask for advice when going back to college.

Going Back to College? How To Seek Guidance

Let's take a look at some specific questions you can ask when thinking about going back to school, as well as those most suited for answering them:

1. What Are the Benefits of Going Back to School?

College is hard work, so when deciding if you want to go back to school, you'll want to identify how getting your degree could be helpful for you. Common benefits of returning to college include:

• opportunities to pursue advancements and pay raises
• the ability to move into a new career field
• the chance to improve your skills
• satisfaction in finishing a degree you previously started

Talking to an academic advisor at any school you're considering can help you determine what specific benefits you'll get from going back to college.

2. What Degree Would Be a Good Fit for Me?

Having good self-awareness helps know what you want to do with your life and what subjects you enjoy or don't enjoy. But how do you decide on a suitable degree program? There are hundreds of possibilities to explore when choosing a degree. As an advice seeker, you may be wondering which degree would be best for your career goals and interests.

An academic advisor can ask questions, provide referrals, and follow up with additional resources to help you decide what degree to pursue. What's more, if you're hoping to advance within your current company, it may be helpful to ask your employer what type of degree would be preferable for pursuing your desired position.

3. Do I Need to Go Back to School?

A lot of people find success in their careers without going back to college. Depending on your career interests and skillset, you could be one of them. It's important to determine whether going back to school makes sense for you. Perhaps, rather than getting a degree, you can advance in your position by taking only a short-term training course.

If you want to pursue an advanced position in your company, ask your employer for advice about what additional education you should pursue, if any. Or, if you're looking to change careers, ask for advice from school counselors, professors, or those who work in the industry you want to pursue.

Going Back to College: Tips for Success

Ready to get started with your college journey? Consider the following tips to help you reach your goals:

1. Have a Positive Attitude

The most successful people in the world understand that attitude is everything. If you think you're going to fail, you probably will. If you focus on keeping a positive attitude, this will help you navigate challenging courses and stay focused on your ultimate goals.

2. Create and Maintain a Schedule

If you're going back to school as an adult, you will probably have to juggle work and family responsibilities along with your studies. It's important to set a schedule for yourself to ensure you manage your time efficiently and prioritize everything you need to get done each day.

3. Have a Support System

Whatever you decide to do in life, it's a good idea to surround yourself with people who support you and encourage your efforts. Your support system may consist of:

• family members
• friends
• fellow students
• coworkers
• anyone willing to provide the kind of help you need

Make sure to reciprocate the support from your loved ones.

4. Be Organized and Study Regularly

Like managing your time, being organized can help you stay on track and juggle all of your responsibilities efficiently. Have a designated study spot where all of your school materials are accessible and organized. Set aside a consistent time to study each day, as this will make it easy to get into a routine as you work through your classes.

5. Don't Hesitate to Ask Questions

At the end of the day, always remember that there's no such thing as a dumb question. Your professors, academic advisors, employers, and even fellow students can be excellent resources whether you're struggling in a particular class or trying to determine your academic or professional goals. Never be afraid to take advantage of the good advice these people will be more than willing to give you.