Why mature students pursuing degrees later in life

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chris L. Latendresse on February 6, 2009 at 2:17am

I returned back to school to do an MBA in 2007 when I hit 40. Some of the overarching reasons included enhancing my credentials to reflect a more senior professional, to open my doors in the job market, a way to take a sabbatical and decide what I wanted to do now that I am a grown up, to enhance my network, but mostly it was a quick way to get current with what is going on in the business and technology worlds. Although I was one of the older students, it was an amazing experience, and left me very energized. Most mature students return as part-time, evening students. My preference was to get immerse myself and get it done. I have subsequently signed-up for a second Masters in Management Science, which is more research based, and very interesting. Of course everyone should take stock of their own unique circumstances (career, financial, family) before deciding what programs to take, where, and whether it should be part- or full-time.

Permalink Reply by everydaydave on February 6, 2009 at 9:05am

Chris,
Although I could go back and take out loans, I decide not too due to my wife have a steep college debt that we are paying back. But I do want to congratulate you in going back. I could not have said it any better than you when you said "Of course everyone should take stock of their own unique circumstances (career, financial, family) before deciding what programs to take, where, and whether it should be part- or full-time."

Permalink Reply by Thera Hearne on March 7, 2009 at 2:27pm

During my high school years, I lacked confidence in myself, didn't have a sense of what I wanted or what I could achieve. My grades were mediocre and at my school if you didn't have a 3.5 or higher, no one encouraged you to go to college. Although, I found out later my 2.7 high school GPA would have gotten me into the State University I wound up graduating from many years later. I chose community college for a variety of reasons, mainly because I had no clue at that age. Went to work and dropped out of my JC for immature reasons wanting to make money to buy things and go out with friends, and some mature ones, helping out my single mother. After about 7 years of mind numbing clerical work, I decided I wanted to go back and earn some degrees so I could do some more challenging work. I started with a two-year degree, then a four-year degree. After receiving a succession of promotions and gaining experience and maturity, I chose to commit public service as a career, not just a job. Now at 37, I am in my first year of an MPA program. Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to provide a complete answer.

Permalink Reply by Dr. Trish on March 17, 2009 at 9:44pm

Thelma,

I'm saddened to think that at your high school, if you didn't have a 3.5 or higher, no one encouraged you to go to college. But, I'm so happy you went anyway, even if it was some years later. I went to college right after high school, but I didn't do that well and didn't have the confidence or passion to think I could make it in my chosen field. I dropped out, and didn't really excel until I returned many years later at age 40. When I returned I talked with a career counselor and that helped me decide what direction to take. Also,I had more drive to succced, which meant I made more time to study (and cut back on the social life that took up much of my time when I was younger.) Also, when I returned as an adult, I was working at the University, so I could attend for free, which took off some of the stress of worrying how I would pay back loans. I really admire people who know what they want and have the drive to get it right after high school. But - better late than never - at least for me.

Permalink Reply by Berta on April 11, 2009 at 10:38am

Sorry, I can't help you out. I went to college right out of high school, then went on to do my Masters....in the summer I will be starting my second Masters....and then hopefully on to a law degree.

I think people do it to chop up the monotony of the same old "blah-ness". Or they are just simply tired of school.

Permalink Reply by Michael A. Brown Sr. on April 15, 2009 at 7:37pm

After leaving the Air Force, I took the advice of some prominent leadership and management experts who suggested getting credentials for my writing and public speaking endeavors. I have the benefit of using the GI Bill for most of my school expenses.

Permalink Reply by R J Parry on July 23, 2009 at 2:11pm

GI bill and tuition assistance are two great ways to fund your college. Those who do not qualify should talk with their university counselor to find grants first, loans second.

Permalink Reply by Jason Linker on April 29, 2009 at 4:46pm

I went to a state university right out of high school, took a year off in the middle, went back and finished my degree. Two years later I've recently started to get my masters degree. I've found that the work I'm qualified to do now is not substantive or challenging enough to let me be the person I want. So I'm hoping my MPA will open a heap of doors for me.

I think it would have been very difficult to spend 6+ straight years in school to get myself all the way to my masters.

Permalink Reply by Katherine Swing on May 14, 2009 at 10:50am

I am curious to know if any one in this group did a semi on-line Phd, and if so, which school did you select/attend?

Permalink Reply by R J Parry on July 23, 2009 at 2:10pm

Katherine

BE AWARE. If the Unviersity is NOT on the Dept of Ed list of accedited schools your work will be worthless.
University of Phoenix has a decent online program

Permalink Reply by Joseph Ferrare on May 14, 2009 at 11:39am

I started doing it while on active duty because my career field, though enlisted, kind of required it to get ahead. I got a master's in '96 and am now back in school again. This time is more for me, however. I'm taking a Great Books program with Harrison Middleton University. You pick ideas or authors and then read what the Great Books say, write about it, talk with mentors, etc. Mostly I'm doing it because I want to understand a couple of subjects at a deeper level than the mostly technical level my MA got me. I'm studying leadership communication with some ethics thrown in there to try to make sense of it all. I'm also using up the last of my GI Bill, though that will run out before the classes do.

Permalink Reply by Diana Louise Morgan on July 5, 2009 at 8:32am

I was a late bloomer! I dropped out of high school because I thought I had better things to do and enjoy. Confidence level was very low also because parents encouraged marriage over education. Blossoming one day, I took the initiative to study on my own for my GED. I succeeded! Wierd I thought! College courses with a splash of Psychology to it, I decided. Two years later my AAOT. Great Job, I thought, why not develop oneself further stressing the interest in Psychology but still not sure of the direction in a job related field. Two years later BS (not bullshit) degree in Psychology and the world has opened immensely. I discovered the interests in adolescents. Always working with elderly, specifically, veterans, one found a new found interest. Why not continue one's education? The BS degree was not helping any finding specific work, because it acted as an AA degree in one's field of interest. Two more years and a Master's degree in Human Services with a Minor in Psychology. Working with students at a JC facility and loving the knowledge. Why stop there? Not getting any younger, if anything, I am fairly old you know (forty late something). Sooo, now the beginning of another track in one's life. The beginning of two years toward my PhD in Human Services with emphasis in Social & Community Services...Personal note; Without my family & friends encouragement and support, I waiver in the thoughts of me succeeding. Because, I know, I thrive by positive feedback! Well, that's my story in a nutshell...

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