An honest Conversation on Returning to University to Pursue Your Goals

Okay. So today’s post is a special one. It’s a follow-on from a couple of posts I did earlier in the year. 

It all started with me discussing the question, ‘Is there an age limit to becoming an apprentice?’, followed shortly after by an interview with my colleague, Dannielle, about her experience of taking on an apprenticeship aged 28, ‘The truth about being an apprentice in your 20s‘.

Now, we have the third installment in what I am calling the ‘it’s never too late’ series.

In this post, we will delve into another option you may not have thought about before: going back to university after turning 30! 

To learn more, I spoke to a friend of mine who is currently experiencing just that.

I’ll admit this is a little overdue and should have been published a while ago. I hope you enjoy it regardless and get something out of it.

Without further ado, let’s get the conversation underway.

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Introductions

To start with, introduce yourself to the readers.

Hi all! I’m Nadine, but most people call me Nay. I’m 33 and live in Wiltshire.

Great! Can you describe what you do currently, including a bit about the course you are taking at the moment?

Of course. In my professional life, I work with young people with care experience, specifically with housing and homelessness and can have anything to do with finding accommodation, through to independent living.

When I started the job, I realised how passionate I was about making the world an easier place for those with care experience, so I chose to do a research topic on care experience and barriers to independence.

I found the MRes course at the University of Portsmouth to be best for me, so I’m doing a Masters by Research, and it’s essentially a “mini PhD.”

I get to set up my own research training and need to complete a 20,000 word dissertation; all of my assignments revolve around the dissertation itself, so I only study the things I’m interested in.

Technically, it’ll be an MRes in Criminology and Criminal Justice because that’s what my last qualifications (a Bachelors in Science and a Masters in Science) are. 

That’s incredible and truly sounds rewarding.

But now… into the nitty-gritty

As you said a moment ago, the choice to go back and do this course was completely down to you and what you felt was needed for you to move forward.

What would you say was your main motivation to return to university and take this on alongside your work?

Well, I love my career, and I’m lucky to have found one that I’m passionate about. I wouldn’t change how I’ve built things up to where I am for a second, but I was always aware that my “end goal” dream was to be a lecturer and researcher.

Because I’ve already done a Masters, I knew I couldn’t get the funding again, but I also knew I couldn’t go straight into a PhD.

I didn’t work as hard as I could have on my MSc, and I honestly just coasted through. So this time I wanted to make sure I “did it right” and went into a PhD with some research behind me that I’m proud of.

I didn’t actually know the MRES existed until I looked into it. It seemed like a perfect fit for what I wanted to do. 

I’m also really not ready to give up my “practical” career yet to embark on academia completely, so I knew I wanted to do it while I was still working.

I love that. If at first you don’t succeed, try again!

I am glad you found your way to what you were looking for. That said, how did you come to realise that going back to university would be the right option?

Because I work full-time, I have to do the MRes part-time distance learning, but that has allowed me to afford to do the course itself and make sure that I’m still doing what I love. If I hadn’t been able to do that, it would have been much harder to go back.

Plus, my girlfriend and I started discussing our future, so it became clear I’d need to factor in having children as well. So we worked on going back to university around that—all things going well—and hopefully I should have my PhD before we start trying. 

I’m a friend of yours, and I didn’t know you were discussing children yet, so that was a bit of an exclusive even for me!

Anyway, shock revelations aside, when the decision was made to go back to university, how were you actually feeling?

I’m interested in knowing what was going through your mind when you were approaching this decision.

Absolute terror! As I hadn’t made the most of my last two degree experiences, I definitely felt a lot of imposter syndrome, but I knew it was very much now or never.

However, when I found out I’d gotten in, I was absolutely ecstatic. It wasn’t just accepting me but also telling me they thought positively about my research idea.

Once you knew that was it, who were the first people you told? Because I remember you telling me and the rest of our little group and being completely happy for you. It would be interesting to know how others reacted to your news.

Me and my girlfriend discussed everything as I was applying, and when I told her that I was just going to go for it, she was excited for me.

I think my family was a bit worried I’d do the same as I had done previously and coast through without trying my best. But they were still supportive of my choice. I’ve always been vocal about my dream of lecturing and researching, so it didn’t really come as a surprise to anybody that I was now progressing with it.

Oh, and my work was also really supportive and allowed me to be flexible with my time to fit lectures and study days in, which helped!

It’s important to have that moral support through major decisions, such as the one you have made. I know I went through the same thing when I chose to go for the apprenticeship I am in now, so I get it.

In your opinion, though, how do you feel the course is going? Is it how you imagined it might be? 

It’s a mixed bag, really! I probably downplayed in my own mind how hard it would be to work and study in the way I’d like to. I’m really guilty of having taken months off from doing any work because there is a big gap between my assignments, but the fact that I’ve come back to it just shows how much I love the course itself.

With it being a “mini PhD,” as it were, it’s been so positive, immersing myself in the research culture of the university and getting involved in extracurricular bits to add to my experience. My tutor is incredibly supportive and has helped me to address my imposter syndrome and develop my work further.

The research training itself is also helpful; I feel like I’m literally being prepared bit by bit to become the lecturer and researcher I’ve always wanted to be. I can slowly feel the dream coming true, but the work itself is really hard because I don’t have a solid foundation from the education I’ve had before.

I appreciate your honesty there. I also really see how, despite everything, you’ve come back with a vengeance and have actually gone for it properly this time instead of taking that same step back you said you had before. It’s admirable!

How would you say the process compares now to when you first took on this path? 

When I started university at 19, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do with my life, other than that I was interested in criminology.

My twenties were a bit of a blur, but at that time I had zero responsibilities in life and didn’t have much of a passion for anything.

Developing my career first and going back to university has made it so that I know exactly why I’m doing what I am now.

When I get frustrated at the way the system works, I remember that’s why I’m studying to make it better, and when I feel like I can’t do it, I remember that it’s for more than just myself—my passion could make life easier for vulnerable people in the future.

A few final thoughts

If someone were to approach you now and say they were considering the same decision you made regarding a return to university, or perhaps even just a return to education in general, what would be your advice to them?

I think it would depend on what stage of life they’re in, but I would say to be clear on why you want to do it—that will be what you need to remember on the bad days and when you’re struggling.

I’d also say to do your research and find out what course suits your needs more. Distance learning has been a godsend for me, and I’d never have been able to commit to a full-time campus-based course, so part-time options were the only possibility. 

Fantastic! So once you have completed this course, what do you think will be next for you?

I’m in the process of applying for my PhD at the same university, so all is going well. I’ll be taking about two weeks off after my dissertation is submitted before I start a full-time PhD course, work permitting.

I’m super excited and nervous about it. I have been offered some teaching experience while I do that. It’ll probably be related to my current research, but we’ll see!

Wow. Your schedule must be endless right now. 

To end on a fun note, please share an interesting fact about yourself. Something to show the real you outside of work and university.

Hmm… I once cried so hard on the phone that Santa Claus had to come back into the Heart Radio studio to answer my call because we’d missed the cutoff time. I asked him for a Barbie van. 

But for real, outside of work and university, I have actual hobbies (when I have time). I’m a huge bookworm, Guildford Flames ice hockey season ticket holder, writer, and poet, and if people watching counts as a hobby, I also enjoy that way more than I should.

That was weirdly perfect timing with that Barbie anecdote there. Very on trend!

But on a serious note, thank you, Nadine. As a friend, I’m proud of you and the journey I have seen you on. I hope your story can be used to inspire someone reading it. It’s why I brought you here. I needed people to see what you have achieved and what is possible, even at a point when people may assume that options like this are not available to them, so this is truly appreciated.

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My final point here is that, it’s never too late to go after what you want and to pursue your goals.

No matter how old you are or what stage of life you’re in, there are always opportunities to chase your passions and make positive changes for yourself.

Age should never be a barrier to following your dreams. Period!

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Now it’s your turn. Did this conversation inspire you? What goals has it made you want to chase? Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s chat!

Becoming an Apprentice in Your 20s: A Path to Success and Skill Mastery

Recently, I shared with you my apprenticeship story of how I made the decision to become an apprentice in my 20s, specifically at the age of 25.

I wanted to provide a view of apprenticeships that a lot of people may not have been aware of.

That you can be an adult and still choose this particular path to begin building a career.

With that, I had a thought.

A colleague of mine, Dannielle, who I am about to introduce you to, is doing an apprenticeship at the same time as me.

In fact, she is doing the same apprenticeship as me, just in a different department.

I’ve invited her onto the blog to share her apprenticeship journey thus far and help push the point I was making that much further.

So without further ado, here is what Dannielle had to say on the matter:

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Hi. Thanks for joining me. To start with, please introduce yourself and share what you do.

Hi all! My name is Dannielle. I’m a 27-year-old Digital Content Apprentice at my local council. I’m currently seven months into the Digital Content Producer apprenticeship, which is a level 3 qualification.

Now, just like me, you chose to become an apprentice in your 20s. Could you please share what made you apply for an apprenticeship now instead of applying for jobs in general?

The apprenticeship is in a field I was interested in working in, but at the time, I didn’t have enough experience to go straight into a job in content or marketing.

I also liked that I could gain valuable skills and learn on the job while earning a monthly wage. Plus, it’s great to know I will get a qualification at the end of my course.

A nice introduction to a new industry to help build my confidence, which it really has!

Fantastic to hear. I understand what you mean about the experience. The amount of jobs today that require a certain level of experience but without the opportunities to obtain that, is ridiculous. So I’m glad this route has given you the chance to pursue what you actually want to do.

Before this, what were you doing, and had you considered an apprenticeship previously?

I have a degree in event management, which I never pursued because, again, I didn’t have the experience to do so. I then got a job at an insurance company doing admin and claims.

I knew that this was not what I wanted to do, so I took the plunge one day and left.

It wasn’t until I saw the position come up for my role that I considered an apprenticeship. I thought I would be too old and wouldn’t be eligible because I have a degree.

For me, I knew university was never going to be an option. It really didn’t suit me. The apprenticeship route seemed to be the only valid option for me moving forward.

Anyway, for me, the hiring process was quick and, dare I say it, hassle-free. It was only the start date that was the issue.

What was the hiring process like for you?

I applied for the job by filling out the application form and sending in my CV along with a cover letter explaining why I would be a good fit for the role.

Much like a “normal job,” I was invited for an interview with two of the team leads. It was a straight-forward process, and thankfully I got the call to say I was successful and had gotten the job.

I remember getting that call also. It was an unexpected moment, but a relief to find out.

Following on from that thought, when you found out the job was actually yours, how did you feel at that moment?

When I found out I got the job, I was seriously thrilled.

I remember them also telling me I wouldn’t be working on the team I had originally applied for, which made me slightly nervous, but I was just happy to have the opportunity to get started.

Well, I’ve been told at countless intervals in my life that nerves are a good thing, so take that as a positive.

As you’ve said previously, you are about seven months into this apprenticeship. With that in mind, how do you feel the process is going now compared to when you first started?

I’ve definitely gotten used to the work-coursework balance.

It was strange starting out as an apprentice, but now I’m starting to get more and more responsibilities as time goes on. I’ve well and truly found my feet in my role.

Finding that balance can be difficult, though, so it’s good to hear you are managing it well. Maybe I need to learn from you more.

How do you feel you have changed personally since starting the apprenticeship?

I’ve become more confident in my work; I can take on new challenges and tasks and successfully complete them. I’ve also learned to appreciate my own efforts more.

I’d even go so far as to say I feel happier overall, especially knowing that my work has a real purpose.

I’m glad you mentioned confidence growth because that’s important and could be a major factor in someone shying away from applying for a role like this. So let’s say someone were in the same position now and considering an apprenticeship. What advice would you give to them?

I would tell them to absolutely just go for it and not be afraid to gain the skills and experience they need to succeed.

It’s important to take advantage of all the learning opportunities that come your way.

Oh, and make sure to set time aside to complete coursework so you’re not panicking to get everything done at the last minute.

Very true. I couldn’t agree more. That last point, especially.

Anyway, we both have about 8 months left of our apprenticeships. Once it’s over, what are your goals moving forward?

I would love to continue down the content and marketing route. Also, furthering my experience in the industry as a whole would be a bonus.

I feel like a psychic here, because I was genuinely hoping you’d say that. I appreciate you backing up my suspicions.

Finally, to end on a fun note, share an interesting fact about yourself. Something to show who you are outside of your work life, and maybe something I won’t even have learned about you yet.

Believe it or not, I used to be a Latin and ballroom dancer. I even did competitions and shows up and down the country. How about that?

Wow. That’s actually incredible. Thanks for sharing.

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I’m grateful to Dannielle for doing this and allowing me to share her story in this way.

If you’ve read this post first and are looking for Part 1, where I discuss the details of my apprenticeship journey, make sure to read that now here.

And because I’m interested in remaining impartial, I have a Part 3 lined up, which will show a route other than apprenticeships, just in case that isn’t the option for you.

Make sure to follow me for more content like this. Click the dropdown above my head at the top of this page to do just that.

Chloe Lauren