As soon as you graduate from high school or Uni, you undoubtedly feel accomplished. But you might also feel as though you’re finished with the educational system in general — you’ve got your diploma, and you’re ready to get to work.
This point of view could prevent you from reaping the many benefits continuing your education can afford you, this year and beyond. Here are six reasons you should keep going to class.
1. You’ll Become a Pro at Time Management
Once upon a time, you went to school, and that was your only responsibility. Now, though, if you’re going back to school, there’s a good chance you have more on your plate. From familial obligations to work, you already have a busy schedule.
Adding education to the mix will force you to hone your time-management skills — otherwise, you won’t be able to get it all done. Rather than watching TV or scrolling through social media feeds, you’ll be filling your spare time with studying and class assignments. You might have to learn some time-management and anti-distraction techniquesalong the way, but once you’ve firmly established them, you’ll hold onto them even when you’re finished with your course load.
2. You’ll Modernise Your Skills
You’ve undoubtedly noticed technology isn’t what it used to be. It seems as though a newer, better software arrives on the market every day, and you might not have had time to learn it as well as you should.
A continuing education course can help you brush up on the tech skills you need to advance in your career. It could be something as simple as learning to use modern presentation technology — it’s not all about PowerPoint anymore — or, you might learn more in-depth programs like Photoshop or HTML/CSS.
3. You’ll Make More Money
You might have thought of this one already, but it’s worth mentioning as often as possible that continuing education often leads to a pay rise. Over the course of your career, it could mean you make nearly £1 million more by the time you retire. On top of that, those with advanced degrees earn 35 percent more than those who hold a bachelor’s.
Keep this in mind as you juggle whether or not you’re willing to pay for your continuing education classes. In a few years, a master’s degree could pay for itself — and, once you’ve paid off your student loans, all that extra income goes into your pocket.
4. You’ll Have More Workplace Confidence
Learning more about your industry and honing the skills required to succeed will only make you feel more confident in your role. Many have felt the same way before you, and have parlayed their feel-good vibes into a superior workplace performance. From there, they can confidently ask for raises because, well, they’ve got the resume and the drive to prove they’re ready. You could do the same by signing up for a set of courses.
5. You’ll Grow Your Network
You have certainly made lots of professional contacts in the workplace. Your boss and your colleagues are all valuable resources and references if you ever want to branch out into a new role.
Attending continuing education classes can help you expand that network even further. You never know whom you will meet — your classmates or your instructors could become connections that introduce you to a better job that suits your new credentials.
This is also true if your continuing education takes you to a work-related conference or seminar. There, you’ll meet plenty of industry professionals who can guide you through the next stage of your career. Those types of relationships are precisely why it’s so important to network, even when you’re attending a class or training session.
6. You Can Pursue Your Interests
Much of the above implies you’ll be continuing your education so you can thrive in the industry in which you work now. But even if you take classes to pursue your greatest passion or your favorite hobby, you will still reap education-centric benefits.
In fact, studies have shown time spent studying something arts-related boosts your concentration and memory, so pick up a paintbrush or learn to play your favorite musical instrument. Even if you’ve just found a hobby that helps you blow off steam before the next busy day at work, you’ll be more relaxed facing your to-dos after you’ve attended class and gotten your mind off of the grind.
Get Back to Class!
These benefits prove just how vital education is, even if you have a degree hanging on your wall already. You can keep your skills fresh and your confidence high while raking in a paycheck that represents your training and dedication. All you have left to do is find the course(s) that’ll make you an even better employee and sign up today — what comes after that is up to you.
