10 Professionals Share Guidance On Pursuing Higher Education

Credit: Style My Soul | www.stylemysoul.com | Higher Education

Style My Soul Explores …
“What is one piece of advice you have for individuals pursuing higher education in today’s age?”

Take Advantage of All the Resources Beyond Your Program
While earning a degree is important, it’s just one aspect of your overall education and career development. You really want to explore other areas of interest and take advantage of the resources your university offers. Attend career fairs, join student organizations, participate in community service, or take classes outside your major to broaden your perspective and build your skills. You never know where your passions and talents might take you, so it’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to try new things. Plus, building a diverse range of experiences and skills can make you a more well-rounded and attractive candidate to employers. - Jess Rodley, Director of Operations, Dialed Labs

​Prioritize Practical Skills and Experience
One piece of guidance I have for individuals pursuing higher education in today’s age is to prioritize practical skills and experiences alongside academic achievements. While earning a degree is important, it is also valuable to gain hands-on experience through internships, research projects, or extracurricular activities that align with your career goals.
Additionally, developing skills such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability can be just as important as academic knowledge in the modern workforce. It is also important to stay curious and continue learning beyond the classroom, whether through online courses, workshops, or networking with professionals in your field.
Cynthia Hamilton, Marketing Director, OGLF

Stay Curious and Open-minded
With so much information at our fingertips, it’s easy to fall into the trap of simply seeking information that confirms our pre-existing opinions and notions. True learning and progress, on the other hand, come from being open to new viewpoints and ideas, even if they contradict our assumptions. Another key component of pursuing higher education is staying organized and successfully managing your time. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and fall behind with the demands of courses, assignments, and tests. Establishing clear goals and deadlines, developing a study routine, and breaking huge work down into smaller, manageable tasks can all help you remain on track and avoid burnout.
David Reid, Sales Director, VEM Tooling

​Look Beyond Traditional Degree Programs
One factor that could influence one’s choice for higher education is obtaining well-rounded experiences inside and outside the classroom. Look beyond traditional degree programs by participating in internships, business mentorship schemes, or relevant student organizations that provide insight into particular industries or topics related to one’s field of study. Such experiential learning can often do far more than just provide theoretical knowledge. It can offer invaluable personal growth opportunities through meaningful connections while receiving practical advice from experienced professionals who may become beneficial contacts later on when seeking career prospects after graduation. Always remember why you have chosen your path in pursuit of higher learning: to learn! Utilize every opportunity presented, and don’t forget that those real-world situations you put yourself through could potentially open up doors leading up to unimaginable success later on down the road!
Tom Hamilton-Stubber, Managing Director, Tutor Cruncher

Rely on Today’s Technological Advancements
​We live in a world where more and more information is available online, allowing students to access resources and materials they might not access through traditional methods. By researching online, attending virtual lectures and seminars, or even taking online courses, students can stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in their field of interest and gain valuable knowledge that will be highly applicable to the modern workplace. Many universities now offer tuition discounts for taking courses remotely, making higher education more financially accessible than ever before. To reach their full potential in this rapidly changing landscape, students must use the powerful technology tools available to prepare themselves for better success.
- Jamie Irwin, Marketing Executive, Service Club Delivery

Define Your Goals
​For all people considering pursuing higher education, I encourage them to answer the following question: “What are my personal and professional goals, and how will higher education help me obtain them?” Look at what your goals are and what the different pathways are to get the same result. Some jobs require higher education, while others are more flexible, and individuals can pursue certifications, on-the-job training, or internships. Don’t just attend higher education because it seems like the next step. Think critically about how it will add value to your life and future. - Alison Hamar, Education Consultant, Transizion Education Corporation

Build a Professional Network Now
Leverage higher education as a networking opportunity. While in college, it’s important to get to know a wide range of people. In today’s age, who you know is just as important as what you know. Introduce yourself to your academic advisor and department head. Get to know your professors and classmates. The people you meet while pursuing higher education could potentially help you get a job after graduation. Building a professional network starts now. - Andrew Meyer, CEO, Arbor

Get Educated on the Cheap With Coursera
Coursera is an affordable online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses from top universities and organizations around the world. It’s a great option for those pursuing higher education who may not have the financial resources to attend traditional universities. Courses are offered on-demand, which means individuals can learn at their own pace and balance education with work and other commitments. With courses in various fields, individuals can choose topics that align with their interests and career goals, making it a great tool for advancing education and career prospects. - Jasper Owens, Owner and Writer, Empyr

​School Belonging Directly Predicts Attainment
I recommend students foster their sense of belonging when entering higher education, as it has been shown to directly affect university grades and well-being. We are all wired to seek group membership for safety, so it is natural to question whether we belong in new environments. However, too much of this worry can register as a psychological threat. A prolonged threat in education can cause us to feel powerless and disengage from academic work, leading to lower grades. Marginalized students are particularly at risk, as discrimination experiences contribute to belonging uncertainty. Students can help foster their sense of belonging by building community within their institution. Coursemates, sports teams, university groups, and mentorship relationships can all be part of a protective network. I also encourage students to remind themselves that questioning whether they belong in higher education is not an accurate reflection of belonging (they do indeed belong). - Alex Taylor, DEI and Belonging Researcher, University of Sussex

Look for Internship or Co-op Opportunities
The best piece of advice I have for anyone looking to pursue a higher education these days is to look for a career that will ensure they receive an internship position or have the option for a co-op program. Competition is steady with trying to find a job placement. Choosing to major in a program that offers a chance to get first-hand experience increases one’s chances of being offered a position.
Instead of only having one’s resume to back them up once they graduate, an internship or co-op shows off their talent and skills, which appeals to employers. So, always look for these types of opportunities when choosing what program to pursue.
- Allen King, CEO, Fun Join