Choosing to Return to School Later in Life for a Better Career
Posted On June 8,2022
Going back to school later in life can be an exciting endeavor. Advancing your education can offer a fresh start to a new career. Going back to school also has the potential to boost your income and provide financial stability and personal fulfillment.
It can be tough to fit school into an already busy schedule, but there is a viable option for adults who don’t have the time or money available to attend a four-year college. Vocational schools, often referred to as trade or technical schools, is a post-secondary institution focused on preparing you for a trade in the most concise way possible. Unlike a four-year college, vocational schools teach you the exact skills you need to start working now.
There are many benefits to returning to school for a better career no matter your age.
Quick Start
Many vocational schools have programs that can be completed in one year or less. Since vocational schools focus on what you need to know to perform a specific job, they’re able to speed up the process so you can get a jumpstart on your new career quickly. This is an ideal option for students with families to support, who don’t have the time or money to commit to several years of higher learning.
Smaller Class Sizes
Another reason to choose a vocational school over a traditional four-year college is its smaller class sizes. Many four-year universities hold classes in auditoriums with hundreds of students, but vocational schools work in smaller classes so they can provide more individual attention to their students. Smaller class sizes allow students to ask more questions and build a stronger bond with their instructor and classmates.
Learn More about our CMA ProgramFlexible Schedules
Many adults have daily responsibilities, such as work or family commitments that make it challenging to attend school full-time. Whether you’re working or caring for children, a flexible schedule makes it much easier to successfully balance your school and personal life. Many vocational schools offer day and evening classes.
Industry Experienced Instructors
Vocational schools typically hire industry experienced instructors because they possess the knowledge and experience of the vocation they are teaching. These skilled instructors know exactly what you need to learn to fully prepare you for an entry-level position in programs like allied-health, early childhood education, and more.
Hands On Experience
Traditional universities focus more on theoretical knowledge than practical, hands-on training. While theoretical knowledge is great too, students graduating from four-year colleges often require on-the-job training as their education is mostly background knowledge. However, vocational schools like Athena Career Academy, provide a strong balance between background knowledge and hands-on-training. As a result, you’re more likely to be better prepared for the daily tasks of your job than someone who attended a four-year college.
Less Investment
Vocational school is an investment of time and money towards building your career. Most students expect to have some amount of debt when they invest in their education, however graduating from a four-year college can leave you with hefty student loans to repay, which means you’re starting your new career with a hurdle to overcome.
Vocational schools are more cost-effective than a traditional college and even offer financial aid options. If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of returning to school for a better career, Athena Career Academy is here to help. Contact us today to speak with admissions and schedule a campus tour.