Choosing Education Over Experience

Posted on: 24 June 2018

If you are thinking about going back to school while you are in the military, you might be excited about the idea of achieving your educational goals. However, you could be a bit unsure of how things are going to work out. Luckily, following these tips can help you if you choose to go back to school while you're in the military.

1. Don't Overload Yourself

If you are anxious and excited about going back to school, then you might be ready to sign up for a full course load right away. However, it's important not to overload yourself, since you probably already have a lot of responsibility and stress to deal with as a service member. Starting out slow by just taking one or two classes might be a good idea. Then, you can get a feel for how well you are able to juggle your military career and schooling, and you can go from there when choosing future class schedules.

2. Consider Online Schooling

Along with your traditional workday, you might have other scheduling commitments that might make going to school on a brick-and-mortar campus really hard. Therefore, it can be a good idea to consider online schooling. Then, you can work your schoolwork around your military schedule. Plus, if you visit your hometown while you're on leave or are otherwise away from your regular base, you may still be able to keep up with your classwork.

3. Think About What You Want to Do in the Future

While in the military, it can sometimes be difficult to think about doing anything other than the job that you are doing right now. However, if you would like to pursue a career after getting out of the military, you may want to take classes that are related to this industry. If you are planning on staying in the military until you retire, you may want to look into schooling options that can help you further your military career. Taking your time in choosing the right classes and program is important if you want to achieve your future goals.

4. Look for Help with Paying for School

There are various grants and scholarships out there for those who are active-duty military members. To help minimize your schooling costs, make sure that you look into all of your options. This can help you go back to school without having to spend nearly as much money on your education.

To learn more about educational assistance for military personnel, talk with a counselor.