From Burnout to Bliss: Finding a New Career (In 3 Easy Steps)

This makes sense as people deciding on new career choices are doing so at various, older ages. Today’s college students juggle multiple responsibilities. Research shows 40% of today’s students attend school part time; 75% commute to class while juggling parenting, working or both; and work an average of 20 hours per week.

According to U.S. News and World Report, some of the hottest and most in-demand jobs are in healthcare. We offer 11 degrees and four diploma programs in healthcare. Students have the ability to pursue a nonclinical career with a degree in Medical Reimbursement and Coding or Health Services Administration. Students looking for a degree in a clinical setting have the opportunity to study Medical Assisting or any of our in-depth nursing degrees. Our career-focused programs are developed with flexibility, accessibility and your success in mind.

“All our students have a personal success team dedicated to supporting them academically and professionally,” said Kelly Mariani, system director of career services. “Many of our students are parents, employed full time and are returning to school to further their education.”

Our approach to student success is unique. Once enrolled in Bryant & Stratton, students have a success team with them from orientation through graduation. We work with every student, as well as student advisors and professors, to formulate the best path for every individual student. And our support to students doesn’t end at graduation. Our alumni can come back for help with career strategies and advice, as well as affordable continuing education.

“I have had students who graduated 10 to 15 years ago call us after a layoff looking for assistance or needing help dusting off their resume,” Mariani said. “We are always there to help.”

Adults Over the Age of 25 Represent 40% of U.S. Higher Education Enrollment

The age of the student is changing; more than ever, people are deciding to either go back to school or start higher education at a later stage in their lives. These students are classed as “mature” or “adult learners.”

But like anything in life, adult learning has challenges. And no big surprise, it’s often about time and money. Going back to school as an adult comes with demands that may make it difficult to balance schoolwork, work schedules, family obligations and other commitments. However, mature students tend to be more dogged in their education pursuits: They’re there because they want to learn.

A substantial body of research supports the idea that returning to school as an adult can be a worthwhile endeavor. The primary reasons cited are:

• Hitting a job ceiling and the requirement of additional degrees or certifications to advance in their career. Many adults choose to return to school to enhance their skill set, making them more competitive in the job market, which can lead to promotions and salary increases.

• Wanting to get into a whole new industry and make a career change to follow a passion or pursue something more fulfilling.

• Completing unfinished education. Life circumstances may have prevented some adults from completing their education earlier in their lives. They may return to school to finish a program they started but never finished.

These three tips can help you explore – and make – a career change:

1. Do a Self-Assessment.

What do you love about what you’re doing? Are there levels of your profession that you have not had the opportunity to achieve? Where does salary rank in your priorities? What about teamwork, environment, satisfaction and culture? Or are you just simply ready to try something new? Once you better understand your drivers and motivators, you can consider which career allows you to best utilize your skills, values and interests.

2. Do Some Research.

Can you bring skills from your current career? Instead of a brand-new field, consider exploring a more personally fulfilling role within the same or similar field. If a new challenge is appealing but you may not know where to start, talk to a career counselor. There are also online assessment tools, but speaking with someone can help you understand commitment, options, cost and how to make your goal a reality – one that fits into your current lifestyle.

3. Make an Action Plan and Set Specific Goals.

Once you’ve identified what you want to do, choose an education partner that can work with you, and support and guide you through your journey. The opportunity to connect with fellow classmates and talk to people on a similar path provides an added level of support.

At Bryant & Stratton, we know and respect that everyone’s educational journey is unique. Finding a school that fits your lifestyle, learning style and learning goals is critical to your success. Our Continuing Education department provides students and professionals with licensing, certification and academic training that have grown in importance in today’s professional settings.

We are built different. For you.