Changing careers in today’s economy can often mean returning to college to gain new skills to prepare for the evolving marketplace. Community colleges are often the first place career changers turn for assistance.

Here are a few tips for adults getting ready to return to the classroom:

Consult with advising professionals to review your goals and plan a course of study. Advisors are in place to guide you, and help you to understand how your previous college credentials and/or work experience falls in line with your future goals. There are questions you should consider: Why do you want to return to college? What are your goals personally, professionally, and how will college help you to obtain these goals? How committed are you to completing your college career? What works best for you; online or face-to-face classes?

Expect to see students with similar goals in class. Do not be intimidated or feel that you are too old to return to college. A large percentage of NCTC students are non-traditional (over the age of 25). Although college requires work and focus; the returning students love it, and generally are more successful than if they had come straight from high school.

Scan the employment environment and know your marketability. There are some careers that are in demand, and businesses need workers that are skilled and qualified for the positions they have open. See where you fit in, which in-demand career interests you, and take advantage of these areas in need.

Ensure a good fit. Know the requirements for your career choice. Do these requirements fit your interests, abilities, and needs? If you are changing careers, identify what skills you already possess that the new career requires.

Have a support system in place. It is important to know who you can count on for moral support. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your goals. You will need help; don’t be afraid to ask for it and accept it when it is offered without you asking.

Assess yourself academically. Depending on your length of absence from high school and or college and the course you are about to study, you need to reassess your skills. There are tests available to help you with this assessment. Don’t let this intimidate you. NCTC offers classes at all levels, and we have tutors available to help you.

Consider financial aid and explore scholarship opportunities. The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at fafsa.gov.

Consider online classes. If you are concerned about returning to a traditional classroom environment, or are worried your schedule cannot accommodate going back to school, consider online classes. This flexible learning approach offers advantages for your busy schedule.

Realize how much you already know. The prior experience and knowledge you bring as a returning adult student will benefit your college experience as well as your classmates. Often students know and understand much more than they believe they do.

“Non-traditional students are perhaps more traditional than any other sub-set of students that we have!  In that, non-traditional students are us; they are our neighbors, friends, church members in the community and they support the institution in valuable ways,” said Dr. Andrew Fisher, Provost of North Central Texas College. “They bring depth and richness into the classroom, and have tremendous life experiences that put their education into context.  They are driven and focused with a goal oriented mindset.  They are assets to this institution and to other students who share the same classes.  They are our best students and what makes this a community college,” said Fisher.

…What if I didn’t get my high school diploma?

It is intimidating to return to school, especially if you didn’t finish the first time. The North Central Texas College Adult and Continuing Education Division offers courses and programs for all students.

Adult and Continuing Education at NCTC offers courses that enable students to test and receive a high school equivalency diploma (GED^®). Taking these courses in an inviting atmosphere, and surrounded by peers that have similar backgrounds can lessen the possible intimidation felt by returning students.

Once students complete the GED^®/HSE courses, the division offers programs to continue the learning adventure. There is a wide range of programs for the student to choose from. These programs are generally one semester long, do not require core classes, and students will finish with a certificate that enables them to begin their career.

Having a career gives students the opportunity to make a living doing something they enjoy each day, and take pride in the job they are doing.

Have us contact you by filling our the form below or visit our website for more information about the program and NCTC as a whole.