Returning to study
There’s so much to gain from returning to studying, but when you haven’t studied for a while, the thought of undertaking a course might make you feel a little nervous. You may be worried about getting into the swing of study life, or that you will be older than other students. Choosing to enrol in a course can help you with a career change, or to refresh or progress your skills to shine in your career and open new doors.
Whether you have been away from studying for many years or a relatively short period, making the move to return to study is simple and worthwhile.
What to expect when returning to study
One thing you can be certain of when returning to study is that you are not alone in your endeavours. With most of us likely to work until age 70, the job we started in when completing high school is not likely to remain a lifelong career. Career change continues to remain accessible at any age. In fact, 134,000 Australians who return to study each year for a career change are over the age of 40.
You can also expect to be able to structure your life to able to work while studying with flexible delivery modes, rather than necessarily needing to choose one option over the other. The ability to be able to earn while you learn is important for many to live comfortably, and approximately fifty per cent of students are employed while studying.
It’s worth noting that going back to study with some life experience under your belt can be beneficial. Skills from the work force like time management, taking initiative and being self-motivated will have a positive impact on your ability to succeed in your studies, and thrive in your future career.
Top tips to adjust to study life
As with taking on anything new, a few tips and strategies can help you be prepared and start strong. Use these tips to help ensure that you set yourself up for study success:
Set a routine or plan
Life can be busy. Between work, leisure, family commitments and taking care of yourself, it’s not surprising that the idea of fitting in study seems a bit much. A solid plan, schedule or routine will help you to manage everything effectively and reduce any potential stress in the process. Write it down or print it out and stick it on the wall or keep a photo of it on your phone, so that you can stay on top of everything in a manageable way.
Be realistic and try to allow a little leeway for when things don’t go exactly to plan. Don’t forget to leave time for yourself and plenty of rest.
Create a productive study area
Engaging with your course materials and focusing on your studies is often easier when you are in the right environment. For most people, it’s important to minimise distractions. Seek out an area with good natural light and make sure you have everything you need within reach: a notebook, pen, chargers and accessible power points. A comfortable chair is a must too!
Your study space may change from time to time; perhaps a café sometime, a library or even on the train, and that’s perfectly fine! It’s all about finding a space that works for you and maximises your ability to focus and learn effectively.
Focus on organisation
Knowing things like when assessments are coming up, what you need to do for them, and ensuring you have the right materials ready to go are all part of being organised for heading back into studying after a break.
Check through your course information and put your important dates and deadlines in the calendar and keep track of everything that needs to be done, always planning ahead. A little organisation goes a long way when it comes to creating a balanced study life.
Look for a supportive training provider
The last thing you want is to enrol, receive your course materials and be left to it on your own. This is especially true if you are just getting back into studying after a break. A high-quality course should always provide you with amazing support from experienced, knowledgeable trainers who will guide you through every step of your training journey.
Stay goal-oriented
Eyes on the prize! If you have taken it upon yourself to get back into studying, it’s likely that this qualification is going to help you get where you want to go. And if you start to feel overwhelmed or stressed during the training process, that’s when you should be able to reach out to your trainer who will help you to make a plan to tackle your studies in a way that is manageable for your circumstances. You will get there!
Why aged care is a valuable sector to study in
High quality, compassionate aged care workers are in demand to support the growing aged care sector. This means opting to study aged care is a smart move for a promising career with plenty of room to advance and grow.
The Royal Commission into Aged Care has kickstarted a sector overhaul, with aged care workers set to receive more support to thrive as valuable professionals. With the right training organisation and trainer support, returning to study and starting an aged care career isn’t just completely doable at any age, but also highly rewarding.
Choosing a high-quality course with supportive trainers is vital for study success, whether you’re going back into studying after a break or just getting started. The dedicated trainer support provided to every learner at Royal College is invaluable. With their wealth of experience specialising in aged care, they have the insights required to guide learners on every step of their study journey.
Get in touch with our team here at Royal College and return to study with confidence and support to help you succeed in a meaningful career. Explore our aged care courses here.
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