If you’re considering changing careers you’re not alone. As workplaces continue to evolve, many professionals are rethinking their priorities and exploring new paths that better align with their personal and professional goals.

“People are always looking for various careers,” says Kaitlynn Arvidson, Director of Graduate and Professional Career Planning at Regis College. “A lot of companies have required employees to go back to the office, and some people are thinking, ‘This shift has really worked well for me and my life and family. I don’t think I’m cut out to do this anymore.’ So they’re looking for something that has an environment and hours that are a better fit for their life situation.”

For many, returning to school can be an effective way to facilitate this kind of transition. But going back to school is a major commitment, and deciding if it’s the right step involves careful planning and consideration.

Key Takeaways

  • Evaluate whether going back to school is necessary for your career change, especially if your new field requires specific credentials or advanced expertise.
  • Ensure the program you choose aligns with your career goals, providing the skills, hands-on experiences, or certifications that will support your transition.
  • Look for flexible learning options, such as part-time, online, or asynchronous formats, to balance your current job and personal commitments.
  • Plan for the financial investment of going back to school by researching funding options like scholarships, employer sponsorships, or flexible payment plans.

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Is Going Back to School Necessary For a Career Change?

One of the first questions many career changers face is whether going back to school is necessary to make a successful pivot. Since formal education is a significant investment of time, energy, and money, it’s essential to ensure it’s the right move for you and your goals.

For certain career paths, especially those requiring licensure or advanced expertise, returning to school may be essential. However, for other fields, the decision may depend more on factors like transferable skills, personal circumstances, and career goals.

“For example, health sciences is a great field for people who want to reinvent themselves,” Arvidson says. “Employers understand that many students have had different jobs and careers in the past and want to move forward while utilizing transferable skills.”

To help you evaluate your options, consider a few guiding questions like: Is a degree mandatory for your new field? Or could you acquire the necessary skills through self-learning, workshops, or on-the-job training?

Here are some primary educational paths to explore:

  • Master’s degrees: Best suited for roles where deep specialization or advanced credentials are required.
  • Certificates and boot camps: Ideal for quickly gaining specific skills in a targeted area.
  • Associate degrees: Great for fields that require hands-on technical training.

By considering the time, cost, and type of commitment each path requires, you’ll be able to determine the best fit for your career goals. Here are a few factors you should consider before going back to school for a career change. 

Six Factors to Consider Before Going Back to School for a Career Change

1. Career Alignment

Before committing to going back to school, it's essential to ensure it aligns closely with your career goals. Ask yourself: Will this program provide the skills, knowledge, and credentials I need to reach my next professional milestone?

For some, this might mean gaining a specific certification or deepening expertise in a specialized area. For others, it could mean accessing hands-on experiences that bridge a gap between their current role and their desired career.

Consider how the program’s curriculum, faculty expertise, and available resources will contribute to your growth. If you’re looking to build transferable skills or pivot to a field that highly values diverse professional experiences, find a program that will help you bring your past expertise into your new role effectively. A clear alignment between your goals and the program’s offerings will set the foundation for a smoother career transition.

2. Prerequisites

Understanding the prerequisites for a program is crucial, especially if you're entering a new field. Some programs have strict academic or professional experience requirements, while others are more flexible.

“Many programs will accept students from a diverse range of professional and academic backgrounds,” Arvidson notes. “But they need to demonstrate commitment to the field, such as community involvement or working part-time in a related field.”

In other words, even if you don’t have a direct background in the field, showing initiative through relevant experiences can help you qualify.

For instance, if you’re shifting to health sciences, volunteer work or part-time roles in healthcare settings can demonstrate your commitment to the field and help ease the transition. To get the most out of this professional development, consider reviewing a program’s prerequisites like coursework, exams, or professional experience to try and align your work with admissions requirements.

Additionally, many schools offer prerequisite-related classes to help prospective students meet admissions requirements. These courses can provide foundational knowledge in key areas, bridging any gaps in your academic background and strengthening your application.

3. Program Flexibility

Balancing school with existing work and personal responsibilities is one of the most challenging aspects of returning to school for a career change. As you consider returning to school, evaluate whether a program offers the flexibility you need to manage your commitments. Many institutions now offer formats that allow students to tailor their education around their schedules.

“For the career changer who’s still a working professional, part-time, online, or asynchronous programs can be a great fit,” Arvidson says. “Colleges are known for having traditional hours, but at Regis, graduate and professional programs are pretty flexible. All services are offered to both full-time and part-time learners, whether their programs are online or on ground.”

In these cases, time management is key to keeping up with school assignments, work responsibilities, and personal commitments. You should assess whether this is possible for you though. There are several scheduling tools like digital calendars and task management apps, which can help you block out dedicated study time, set reminders, and stay organized.

“Students need to determine what can be put aside for the program,” Arvidson says. “At the end of the day students are going to have to prioritize their education when enrolled, but this can mean different things to different students.”

4. Institution Reputation

When selecting a program for your career change, the institution’s reputation can play a crucial role in opening doors in your new field. A well-regarded institution often brings added credibility to your resume, signaling to potential employers that you have received high-quality, relevant training.

In addition, programs at reputable institutions frequently have faculty with significant industry experience, access to top-tier resources, and established partnerships with leading companies or organizations. These can enrich your learning experience, exposing you to real-world challenges, case studies, and networking opportunities that prepare you for success.

Beyond the program itself, consider the broader alumni network and its presence in your target industry. A strong network of alumni can provide valuable guidance, mentorship, and job connections as you make your career transition. When evaluating an institution, review program rankings, talk to alumni about their experiences, and consult industry professionals to understand how the school is perceived in the field.

5. Cost

Returning to school for a career change represents a significant financial investment, and it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the full cost of your education. While tuition is often the most visible expense, other costs—like textbooks, technology fees, course materials, and potential living expenses—should also factor into your budget.

If you’re planning to reduce your work hours or take time off entirely, it’s also important to consider how this will impact your finances and work-life balance.

“It’s quite a commitment financially,” Arvidson notes. “So students need to play around with the numbers and figure out the cost of the program.” Fortunately, there are multiple funding options that can help make returning to school more manageable, including:

  • Scholarships and grants: Many schools offer scholarships and grants to students who meet specific criteria, such as academic achievement, financial need, or dedication to a particular field. 
  • Employer sponsorship: Some companies provide tuition reimbursement or financial support for employees who wish to advance their education and bring added value to the company. 
  • Student loans: Federal and private student loans can help cover the upfront costs of tuition and other expenses, though it’s crucial to understand the terms and repayment obligations. 
  • Payment plans: Many institutions offer flexible payment plans, allowing students to spread the cost of tuition over the semester or academic year, reducing the immediate financial burden.

Taking the time to research funding options and developing a detailed budget will empower you to pursue your educational goals with confidence.

Is Going Back to School the Right Move for You?

If you’re ready to pursue a more fulfilling career path, a master’s degree from Regis could be the key to making a successful transition. With flexible programs designed for working professionals, Regis provides an ideal environment to help career changers gain the expertise and confidence to excel.

“In this day and age, there’s never a career you need to stay in solely because you think you can’t transition onward,” Arvidson concludes. “Employers are looking for people who are adept at learning new skills and interested in improving themselves.”

If you’re ready to take charge of your career and invest in your future, consider how a master’s degree from Regis College can help you achieve your goals. With the right education and support, you’ll be equipped to make a meaningful career change and thrive in your new professional journey.

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