- Different student-statuses include full-time, part-time or continued learning. Most professionals pursuing additional education pursue part-time or continued learning; however, that is not always the case. There are situations where an employer may want to send an employee for further education, and in some cases may even pay for it, under the condition that said employee returns to the employer upon graduation. One must review their situation to determine which type of pursuit of study best fits their current lifestyle. Factors affecting this decision include current occupation, an employer's involvement, finances and personal issues, such as family obligations. To research different institutions of learning, Princeton Review provides extensive information on different universities, their area and the types of programs they offer.
- Applying to universities and various academic programs is time-consuming and can be stressful. Plan in advance which university or program you will apply. Review the university's website thoroughly. All university websites provide all information needed on how to apply, including requirements and deadlines, and most if not all give you the option of applying online. Depending on your academic pursuit, it may be best to start over a year in advance. For example, for someone applying to graduate school, in many cases the GRE is required for admission. If some form of testing is required, Kaplan provides many resources for purchase on how to not only prepare for a required test, but also tips on writing a personal statement and getting letters of recommendation, which are also very common requirements when applying to universities.
- Continuing an education is an endeavor that can be fairly expensive. However, there are many options out there for funding an education. FAFSA.ed.gov provides a free application for student aid, as well as information regarding the types of aid available. Different types of aid include loans, grants, work study and other miscellaneous forms of funding. Funding can also be obtained through private scholarships, state support or, for graduate students, through an academic position such as a teaching or research fellowship. In some cases, certain employers provide tuition remission benefits. Contacting the human resource department of your employer would be the best way to find out if your employer provides said benefits. Another funding option that has grown increasingly popular is to try to get a job at a college or university. Most higher education institutions provide tuition remission benefits for their employees, and in some cases, their employees' families as a way of enticing people to work there. Usually the benefit entitles an employee to one free class per semester.
