10 answers
Brandon
Student
Sugar Land, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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How difficult is it to go back to school as an adult after deciding to change work fields?
I am deciding to go back to school for an AAS in electronics engineering technology to pursue a more stable future for myself after a few years in tech doing QA. I am in my 30s now and have always wanted to finish my degree. How tough is it to get back in the groove of academia?
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10 answers
Praveen Sekar
10
Answers
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Praveen’s Answer
Thank you for sharing something so personal—what you’re doing takes real courage. Going back to school as an adult, especially after working in a different field, is no small decision. It can be tough, yes—but it's also incredibly rewarding.
Many people feel unsure about whether they’ll be able to adjust to the academic environment again: the structured learning, deadlines, exams, and group work can feel overwhelming at first. But the thing is, being in your 30s actually gives you a big advantage. You bring with you life experience, discipline, and a clearer sense of purpose than most people right out of high school. That motivation—building a stable future for yourself—is powerful fuel.
It may take a little while to get used to studying again, but you'll find a rhythm. Your past in QA will likely serve you well in problem-solving and analytical thinking, which are huge in electronics engineering. And you're not alone—more adults than ever are returning to school for exactly the reasons you are: stability, growth, and fulfillment.
You’re doing something brave by betting on yourself. Be patient with the process. Give yourself grace on the hard days, and keep that long-term goal in sight. You’ve already taken the first big step.
Many people feel unsure about whether they’ll be able to adjust to the academic environment again: the structured learning, deadlines, exams, and group work can feel overwhelming at first. But the thing is, being in your 30s actually gives you a big advantage. You bring with you life experience, discipline, and a clearer sense of purpose than most people right out of high school. That motivation—building a stable future for yourself—is powerful fuel.
It may take a little while to get used to studying again, but you'll find a rhythm. Your past in QA will likely serve you well in problem-solving and analytical thinking, which are huge in electronics engineering. And you're not alone—more adults than ever are returning to school for exactly the reasons you are: stability, growth, and fulfillment.
You’re doing something brave by betting on yourself. Be patient with the process. Give yourself grace on the hard days, and keep that long-term goal in sight. You’ve already taken the first big step.
Aldo Colorado
Project Manager
3
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
Aldo’s Answer
It's great that you want to keep learning and find stability.
From my own experience, going back to school for a master's degree after 14 years was tough. I had to juggle work, kids, and bills. It was tiring, but if you stick with it, you'll see results. Many people who started with me didn't finish.
Make sure to organize your time, set priorities, and get ready mentally to reach your goals. In the end, you'll see the benefits, and a good job opportunity might come your way when you least expect it, offering you better stability.
From my own experience, going back to school for a master's degree after 14 years was tough. I had to juggle work, kids, and bills. It was tiring, but if you stick with it, you'll see results. Many people who started with me didn't finish.
Make sure to organize your time, set priorities, and get ready mentally to reach your goals. In the end, you'll see the benefits, and a good job opportunity might come your way when you least expect it, offering you better stability.
Thank you Aldo, You're an inspiration to my future endeavors!
Brandon
Cody Gaspar
C.I., Quality, and Reliability Engineering
43
Answers
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Updated
Cody’s Answer
If you put in the time, it's not difficult, I think. I returned to school as an adult too, and I valued it more and was more committed.
Good luck, my friend, and enjoy the experience!
Good luck, my friend, and enjoy the experience!
Cody, thank you!
Brandon
Corey Young
Software Engineer
4
Answers
Rockland, Maine
Updated
Corey’s Answer
Studying as a non-traditional student can be easier because you don't have the usual distractions of first-time college life, like living on your own for the first time or managing a budget.
Be sure to feel confident in asking your professors for help and joining study groups. You'll do great!
Most traditional students will admire and welcome you.
The main challenge might be balancing more outside responsibilities.
Be sure to feel confident in asking your professors for help and joining study groups. You'll do great!
Most traditional students will admire and welcome you.
The main challenge might be balancing more outside responsibilities.
Thank you!
Brandon
Salsabil Kouskoussi
14
Answers
Updated
Salsabil’s Answer
As someone who spent a lot of time in academia, changing careers from teaching was a big challenge, but also a blessing. Looking back, the learning curve was something I could handle.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Brandon
Jay Yao
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Singapore, LP
Updated
Jay’s Answer
Hi Brandon,
I’m really glad to see you taking the courage to pursue the dream you’ve always wanted to achieve. I know this must not be easy for you at all—but I truly think it's a wonderful decision, especially at this point in your life.
Going back to school after some time in the workforce gives you a clearer understanding of what you truly want to learn and where your passions lie. It’s something many people don’t get to realize until much later, so that awareness is a real strength.
That said, we both know that making such a big transition isn’t easy. You're stepping out of a familiar environment into something completely new—meeting new people, adjusting to a different pace, and possibly even being surrounded by classmates who are much younger than you. It’s not as simple as it sounds.
But don’t forget—you bring something incredibly valuable to the table: your work experience. That experience will help you tremendously in your studies. Some of my colleagues have gone through similar paths, and when I talked to them, they shared how applying their real-world knowledge in academic settings made a huge difference. Especially in engineering courses, having practical experience and a broader perspective can set you apart. You might be surprised to find that many of your classmates will admire you for exactly that.
So yes, the beginning might feel uncomfortable and challenging. But once you get through that transition period, you’ll realize that you're not at a disadvantage at all—in fact, you might even be ahead.
Wishing you all the best on this journey—you’ve got this.
I’m really glad to see you taking the courage to pursue the dream you’ve always wanted to achieve. I know this must not be easy for you at all—but I truly think it's a wonderful decision, especially at this point in your life.
Going back to school after some time in the workforce gives you a clearer understanding of what you truly want to learn and where your passions lie. It’s something many people don’t get to realize until much later, so that awareness is a real strength.
That said, we both know that making such a big transition isn’t easy. You're stepping out of a familiar environment into something completely new—meeting new people, adjusting to a different pace, and possibly even being surrounded by classmates who are much younger than you. It’s not as simple as it sounds.
But don’t forget—you bring something incredibly valuable to the table: your work experience. That experience will help you tremendously in your studies. Some of my colleagues have gone through similar paths, and when I talked to them, they shared how applying their real-world knowledge in academic settings made a huge difference. Especially in engineering courses, having practical experience and a broader perspective can set you apart. You might be surprised to find that many of your classmates will admire you for exactly that.
So yes, the beginning might feel uncomfortable and challenging. But once you get through that transition period, you’ll realize that you're not at a disadvantage at all—in fact, you might even be ahead.
Wishing you all the best on this journey—you’ve got this.
Jay, thank you!
Brandon
James Orozco
Security Services Advisor
2
Answers
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
James’s Answer
Hi Brandon, I know from personal experience that it can be tough, but it's definitely doable once you find your rhythm. I started back in 2014, got my Bachelor's in Cybersecurity, and even finished my graduate degree last year.
Like Aldo mentioned, you might need to tweak your schedule a bit depending on your situation. I worked full-time and fit in courses when I could, sometimes taking 2-3 per semester. After getting my Associate's from community college, I moved straight to a four-year college for my Bachelor's and was fortunate to find a job in my field along the way.
What helped me was staying focused on my goal of graduating. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I reminded myself that it was all part of reaching that goal. I set up a study schedule based on the courses I chose, as their difficulty and my interest in them varied. I also made sure to celebrate my successes and learn from any challenges.
Wishing you the best on your journey!
Like Aldo mentioned, you might need to tweak your schedule a bit depending on your situation. I worked full-time and fit in courses when I could, sometimes taking 2-3 per semester. After getting my Associate's from community college, I moved straight to a four-year college for my Bachelor's and was fortunate to find a job in my field along the way.
What helped me was staying focused on my goal of graduating. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I reminded myself that it was all part of reaching that goal. I set up a study schedule based on the courses I chose, as their difficulty and my interest in them varied. I also made sure to celebrate my successes and learn from any challenges.
Wishing you the best on your journey!
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
154
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Brandon,
Learning is a life long endeavor. We learn not only through formal education but also through experience. Experiential learning can be just as rewarding as formal education.
Your desire to resume formal education, I guess has been informed by your work experience. If so, this decision truly puts you on a firm ground to succeed.
Starting can be quite a challenge. You may initially need some extra time to refresh your mind. It's helpful to seek support and advice whenever necessary.
With lots of practical learning provided in the course content, you should get to speed within no time.
A couple of pathways are available: applications, avionics, mechatronics & biomedical equipment.
The program will give you the opportunity to learn to build, evaluate, test, troubleshoot, service and repair electronic devices from the component level to the system level.
Commitment, diligence, passion & perseverance are important traits for success. With all these, success awaits you.
Learning is a life long endeavor. We learn not only through formal education but also through experience. Experiential learning can be just as rewarding as formal education.
Your desire to resume formal education, I guess has been informed by your work experience. If so, this decision truly puts you on a firm ground to succeed.
Starting can be quite a challenge. You may initially need some extra time to refresh your mind. It's helpful to seek support and advice whenever necessary.
With lots of practical learning provided in the course content, you should get to speed within no time.
A couple of pathways are available: applications, avionics, mechatronics & biomedical equipment.
The program will give you the opportunity to learn to build, evaluate, test, troubleshoot, service and repair electronic devices from the component level to the system level.
Commitment, diligence, passion & perseverance are important traits for success. With all these, success awaits you.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Brandon
Steve Vierra
CRO
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Returning to school as an adult can be challenging, but it's definitely possible! While there are more distractions like family, work, and bills, your dedication and commitment can make it happen. Focus on one class at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. After each semester or quarter, take a moment to celebrate your progress and set new goals. Reward yourself for every small achievement along the way. You've got this!
Thank you so much!
Brandon
Demetrius Vaughn
District Leader
21
Answers
Columbia, South Carolina
Updated
Demetrius’s Answer
If you're truly interested in something, going back to school and learning about it can be exciting and fun. Remember, it's worth your time if you enjoy it. No one wants to spend money on things they don't like, and that goes for education too. Follow what you love, and the journey will be rewarding!
Loved reading this, thanks!
Brandon