The way that your teachers or your family describe growing up, it can sound like one big rush to get to your first ‘proper job’. But once you get out into the big wide world, you quickly realise that everyone’s paths aren’t fixed, but are winding roads that can take you in circles, dead ends or to places you’d never expect to end up.
If you’re thinking about changing course and heading to uni, it’s totally natural to feel a little weird about it - but here are some thoughts that can help you figure out how to take the next step.
How to know if it’s time to head back to uni
This is always a bit of a tough question.
For some people, it can be a matter of wanting to move on to a new experience after they’ve gotten the most out of their current career path. We never truly stop learning, and some people just really enjoy seeing as many of life’s opportunities as they can, rather than sticking with one thing their entire lives.
For others, it could be a way to take their job to the next level or gun for a promotion. Sometimes combining disciplines can open new doors, allowing you to manage projects, or write with authority on subjects you have practical experience in.
Some people might have an idea of what they initially want to do, but it doesn’t work out, or it doesn’t meet your needs. You’re only going to find these things out by giving your options a proper go. People can give you advice, and you can read reddit threads and talk to careers advisors until you’re blue in the face, but at the end of the day you’ll be the one going to that job day-in-day out.
Have a think about whether any of these ideas resonate with you and how you’re feeling. The great thing is that most of the time, you can probably go back to your old industry if you find your new path isn’t your vibe.
Changing your plans isn’t a failure - it’s an opportunity
One of the trickiest feelings to deal with when heading to uni later is the feeling that you’re behind your peers, you’re wasting time or that you’re going backwards.
It’s normal to feel a little behind your peers, but at the end of the day, life is your race to run, your path to walk. It’s a bit corny, but it’s true, and there’s no point sticking with something you’re not happy with just because you don’t want to turn back. Plus, chances are your friends might have a change of career later, and they’ll be looking at you thinking that you’re way ahead of them.
There can also be some unique benefits to changing your career path later on in life. You’re usually a bit older, a bit wiser, and a bit more responsible than your fresh-out-of-school self, which can help when you’re balancing uni and your other commitments. Plus, your previous studies can often work in tandem. For example, completing courses such as sociology could help you understand student welfare issues when you study education.
UTS also has a program called Recognition of Prior Learning, which might allow you to claim course credits based on your earlier studies or professional experience.
You’ll have plenty of support in making the transition into university life
There are plenty of services at UTS which help new university students to thrive at university - no matter what life stage they’re in. activateuts.com.au is a one-stop shop for wellbeing programs, social groups and events at UTS, and it’s a great tool to help you get acquainted with campus life and make new friends.
There are also plenty of resources to help you with any additional life challenges you’re facing. For example, if you are a carer, UTS is committed to providing you with a supportive and flexible environment as you navigate time and other pressures as a result of your caring responsibilities. There is also HELPS, which is an additional course to help you with academic literacy, including assignment advice, skills workshops and more.
Embarking on a new pathway may feel a little intimidating, but also represents an exciting opportunity to learn more about yourself and the world around you.