Returning to school as an adult learner is a powerful step toward achieving your career goals. However, it’s natural to have questions about work-life balance and finding a program that truly supports your aspirations. Hearing from real students and alumni can provide invaluable insights into how the right college can make this decision rewarding.
In this article, you’ll hear from Regis alumni who successfully went back to school to support a new career or promotion. But first, let’s explore the university’s support for adult learners and why so many choose Regis to transform their professional paths.
Key Takeaways
- Regis offers hybrid, weekend, and online courses tailored to the unique needs of adult learners, enabling students to balance their education with personal and professional responsibilities.
- Faculty with real-world experience provide practical, workforce-aligned education and one-on-one mentorship, ensuring students are prepared to transition into or advance within their chosen fields.
- Regis fosters a collaborative environment where peer networks, graduate assistantships, and career counseling empower students to navigate challenges and build confidence.
- Regis alumni frequently credit the university with helping them achieve sustainable and fulfilling careers, whether by advancing in their current roles or successfully transitioning to new industries.
Register now for an online information session.
How Regis College Supports All Professionals
Flexible Program Options for Adult Learners
Regis offers a range of program formats tailored to the diverse needs of adult learners, including hybrid, weekend, and online courses. These flexible options ensure students can manage their personal and professional responsibilities while pursuing their education.
“These options are becoming increasingly important because adult learners are balancing family, work, and often more,” says Gillian Stanley, Associate Vice President of Graduate and Professional Student Affairs at Regis College. This adaptability allows students to choose the schedule that works best for them, making education accessible no matter their circumstances.
Career-Aligned Education and Mentorship
Regis’s programs are designed to align closely with workforce demands so students gain practical skills and knowledge that translate directly to their chosen fields. Faculty, many of whom are practitioners in their industries, bring real-world expertise to the classroom and provide mentorship to guide students through career transitions.
“So many of our degrees really are workforce-aligned, coupled with the faculty, particularly in the health sciences, who are practitioners in the field,” Stanley says. This combination of academic rigor and industry relevance ensures that students are prepared for the challenges of their new roles.
In addition to mentorship from faculty, career counseling services help students navigate their paths with confidence. Advisors work one-on-one with students to build their skills, plan for the future, and leverage opportunities for advancement.
A Supportive Community for Success
Beyond academics, the sense of community at Regis plays a critical role in student success. Peer networks provide camaraderie and mutual encouragement, particularly for adult learners balancing demanding schedules.
“Adult learners are juggling so much, and the support they find from their peers and faculty can make all the difference,” Stanley adds. This community fosters collaboration and connection, creating an environment where students feel supported in every aspect of their journey.
Accessible resources, such as graduate assistantships, career workshops, and advising, further enhance the student experience. These resources are specifically tailored to the needs of adult learners, providing tools and opportunities that empower them to succeed.
Regis College’s holistic approach to education equips career changers with the tools and support needed to navigate transitions confidently and achieve sustainable, fulfilling careers. To see this in action, let’s explore the experiences of alumni who have leveraged their education to transform their professional paths.
Real Regis College Student Experiences
Yelena Geiler
Balancing life, work, and doctoral studies can be challenging, but Yelena Geiler, a three-time alumna, found the personalized support at Regis essential to her success. The program’s flexibility and mentorship helped her complete her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
“The one-on-one guidance of my chair during the doctoral program was an essential component of my academic growth,” Yelena says. “Dr. Helene Bowen-Brady was, and continues to be, a mentor who has helped me feel the air of confidence in taking my project further.”
As a doctoral student during the COVID-19 pandemic, Yelena found motivation in the camaraderie of her cohort. Their shared experiences and mutual support helped her navigate the challenges of balancing school, work, and life, while fostering a sense of connection that made the demands of remote learning more manageable.
Wesley Major
For Wesley Major, a 2015 graduate of the Master of Education in Teaching Special Education program, the decision to pursue teaching as a second career was made easier with the support of Regis. Managing full-time work while studying required flexibility, which Regis provided through its career-aligned curriculum and approachable faculty.
“My path to teaching was nontraditional. I didn’t always know I wanted to be a teacher, and I didn’t study education as an undergraduate,” Wesley explains. “While on-the-job work experience is very valuable, my courses at Regis provided a strong foundation that informs my current practice.”
This foundation prepared Wesley for his current role as Special Education Coordinator at The Gifford School, where he supervises teachers, develops individualized education plans, and supports students with complex learning challenges. Regis’s emphasis on practical skills ensured Wesley was ready to excel in his new career.
Bridget Colburn
As a graduate of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program in 2020, Bridget Colburn credits Regis with preparing her for a meaningful career. The combination of classroom instruction, scanning labs, and clinical rotations gave her the confidence to succeed as a sonographer at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
“Thanks to Regis, I felt fully prepared to sit for my board exams and confident to enter the field,” Bridget says.
During her time at Regis, a service trip to Appalachia reinforced the importance of kindness and compassion—qualities that now shape her approach to patient care. “We never know what battle someone is going through internally, which is why we need to be kind and compassionate to others,” she explains.
The education and experiences Bridget gained at Regis helped her not only master the technical aspects of her role but also develop the empathy needed to make a positive impact on her patients’ lives.
Why Regis College Could Be the Right Fit For You
Going back to school for your career is a bold and transformative decision, and choosing the right school can make all the difference. Regis offers the flexibility, support, and career-aligned education that adult learners need to succeed, and the stories of Regis student experiences show the impact of its programs in helping others achieve their personal and professional goals.
If you’re considering a career pivot or advancement, Regis provides the tools and resources to help you thrive. Explore its wide range of graduate programs, attend an information session, or connect with alumni to learn more about how Regis can support your journey. Take the first step toward a sustainable and fulfilling career—Regis is here to help you make it happen.
Published Date