As human beings, we should never stop learning. Not only can learning enrich our lives throughout our lifetimes, but it can also open doors to career opportunities beyond the scope of the degree we earned in high school or college.

For some people, a career advancement is the main incentive for continuing education. For others, it is simply to learn for the sake of learning—to scratch a curiosity itch, or to keep their minds sharp as they age.

Whatever your reason for considering continuing education, you may be wondering whether it is in fact the right step for you to take in terms of cost, time investment and practicality.

If you are wondering whether a continuing education program is right for you, start by asking yourself these questions:

• Do I have sufficient funds to pay for it?

Going back to school costs money—period. Evaluate your finances to make sure that your income can support the cost to pay for continuing education classes. You can also look for outside support, such as through a sponsorship or scholarship, or ask whether your employer will pay full or partial tuition.

• Is this a good return on investment?

The benefits of continuing education should outweigh the costs. If your career would yield a higher salary if you held an advanced degree or additional certificates, then you might deem that it is a good return on investment.

• Do I have the time for it?

The great thing about taking continuing education courses online is that you can generally work at your own pace. However, you need to ask yourself whether you have the time to fit that work into your schedule. Something else in your life may have to give to make your continuing education courses a priority.

• Are you willing to make the commitment?

Not only do you need to make sure you have the time for continuing education, but you need to make sure that you are personally willing to put in the dedication and effort to complete your courses.

• For online courses, do I have the infrastructure?

This is as simple as making sure that you have a reliable computer and internet connection. At UWA Online, our continuing education courses are web-based. You should have a work space in your home or office where you feel comfortable, and where you know that your technology is dependable.

• Will this directly help me meet a personal goal?

Decide what your reasons are for pursuing continuing education. Whether they include excelling at work, being productive in retirement or learning a new hobby—continuing education should help you achieve a personal goal.

• Are you excited by new possibilities?

If the thought of opening yourself up to new experiences and ideas excites you, then continuing education via online courses may fit your personality precisely. Especially taking classes online, you can achieve your goals without completely uprooting your life and thrive in an all-new type of learning environment!

Decided that continuing education is right for you? Don’t wait—sign up today! Visit https://uwa.augusoft.net/ to find a course that caters to your interests!