Career breaks are not uncommon in the workforce today. According to LinkedIn, 62% of workers have taken a break from employment at some point in their professional past. But re-entering the workforce may require updating some of your skills. Many industries face constant change, from technology updates in the IT field to compliance and regulatory changes in healthcare.

Returning to school is an effective way to catch up on how your field has evolved while progressing in your career. Even better is that education itself has also changed in recent years. Degrees are no longer the only path to promotion; professional certifications offer shorter time in school with a laser focus on building industry-specific skill sets.

On top of that, today’s education system gives employees greater flexibility in how and when they learn. Many companies also invest in education benefits to help you overcome any financial hurdles holding you back.

While you may be nervous to consider going back to school when you’ve just gone back to work, don’t worry. Here are six steps in using education as a jumping off point for a new professional future.

1. Create a financial plan

Working towards a new degree or certification may sound like a good idea –  until you think about the costs involved. But many companies offer tuition assistance and their employees don’t even know about it!

Even if you’re new, there may be minimal time requirements in order to be eligible. In fact, some companies offer tuition assistance immediately upon hiring, while others may require a period of anywhere from 90 days to a year before qualifying.

That’s why you should set aside any preconceived notions you have about funding your education dreams and take a look at what’s actually possible. From updating specific skills to pursuing a formal degree program, there’s a lot of flexibility in what you can achieve using company benefits.

2. Understand how school integrates into your career plans

As you start to explore tuition assistance programs at your company, look at academic programs that make sense for your career trajectory and your personal goals. Maybe you want to earn more money or gain more flexibility in your work schedule. Most companies have a list of approved fields of study, which may be more diverse than you think.

For instance, if you work in customer service, you may be able to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Or perhaps you want to work on a six-month project management professional (PMP) certification in order to pursue a managerial position. In the healthcare system, a certified nursing assistant could get on the path to becoming a registered nurse, while a doctor may pursue an MBA to move into hospital administration. 

If your company offers tuition assistance, they probably also include personalized coaching to help you create a game plan that considers your own interests and career goals within the context of qualifying for financial benefits. Take advantage of every resource you can to create a plan, whether it’s for the next semester or the next year and beyond. 

3. Start with one class

It can be intimidating to commit to an entire degree program, but you don’t have to in order to access your tuition benefits. While your company may require that you finish a course with a specific grade, you don’t have to commit to a multi-year program.

This gives you the freedom to experiment and find out what life looks like with a class on top of your other responsibilities. Swapping out just a few hours of television each week for studying may feel manageable once you get started. But you won’t know unless you enroll for that initial course.

4. Choose a program structure that works for your lifestyle

Returning to school comes with a lot more options than it used to, many of which are designed for part-time students that also work full-time. In addition to in-person classes, you can opt for online and hybrid courses.

You also have choices when it comes to the intensity of a course. Some programs offer in-depth classes that last just five weeks, while others operate on a standard 14-week semester. There are even self-paced courses available that are completely asynchronous until you’re ready to take a proctored final exam. Your learning style, availability, and career timeline all influence your decision on the best type of course.

Take the time to experiment with the best course format for your lifestyle. There’s no right or wrong way to go back to school. Start with one course and evaluate how (and when) you want to move forward when it’s over.

5. Explore prior learning assessment credits

Whether you’re considering a degree or a certificate, your previous non-educational experience may qualify as credits right off the bat. Prior learning assessment (PLA) credit is based on your knowledge and expertise gained outside the classroom.

PLA credits can be earned from all kinds of different experiences, including:

• Work experience
• Volunteering
• Military experience
• Employer training programs
• Certifications earned from professional associations
• Google professional certificates
• Credit by exam (CLEP, DSST, etc.)

Once you identify one or more programs you’re interested in, talk with an admissions counselor to find out if any of your previous achievements can help you get ahead before you even enroll.

6. Create a routine and time management plan

After enrolling, carve out a learning space and time for your class in advance. Talk to your family about expectations so they can support you and help you prioritize your learning.

Similarly, update your manager at work to include the coursework as part of your development plan. Communicate the timeline so that your team is aware of your commitment as well as the type of skills you’re learning.

Even if you’re hesitant to share your plans, it’s better to be transparent with your boss and colleagues. That way when you’re feeling stressed during an exam period or have a question for someone who has been in your shoes, you have the confidence to ask for help.

In some industries, you may also need to address your work schedule. If your course is only available live from 4 to 6 p.m., for instance, you could work out an early arrival with your manager in advance.

Everyone’s existing family and work commitments are different. Be clear and upfront with the time you spend on your education so everyone can thrive.

Ready to rethink continuing education?

Leveling up your skills can be a smart way to reignite your career after taking a break. Both companies and schools have become extremely employee-friendly, providing you with both financial and time management support to set you up for success.

When you’re ready to explore your education options, an EdAssist advisor can give you one-on-one coaching to walk through your benefits and program options for the next chapter of your life.

Book a coaching session today!