people studying

Heading back to school for adults isn’t the same as it is for youth. The excitement of getting the new backpack and school supplies is often replaced with anxiety about how to balance a life already full of work and personal responsibilities. 

We want our students to feel that they are set up for success and we acknowledge that returning to school as a working professional is a huge commitment. We’ve asked our PDC instructors and program managers for some tips to help our students.



Jon Kime, Lean Six Sigma Instructor 



•    Be realistic, any class worth taking will require time outside the classroom. It’s best to set expectations, talk with your family before class starts, and explain why the class is important.  First off, tell them when it ends. It’s a class, not a new lifestyle.  

•    With any reading assignment or class project, start it right away. It will never get easier if you wait. Do not fall behind, it’s like trying to dig yourself out of a deep hole. 

•    Most development classes are work-related, so it is fair game to work on a combo work/class project that benefits your job. 

•    Life happens. If a work emergency or big family problem pops up let your instructor know right away. He or she might be able to work with you. Also, it is far better to withdraw from the class than to just stop showing up. 

Joey Paul, Leadership Instructor 



•    Be clear about why you are doing it. This will get you through the hard times. 

•    Get sponsorship from your organization. Monetary sponsorship yes.  But the ability to apply what you have learned is also key.   

•    Manage your time. Schooling is not just the class but the work outside of class.  



Toni Aspin, Ph.D., Nonprofit Management Instructor



•    My thought/suggestion for students is to commit to the time required for the course, dive in, get the most out of it that you possibly can, and elicit support from your work team and your family to help you carve out the time to attend class and the needed time outside of the sessions for assignments. Get into it.

Chris Cellars, PDC Executive Director

 

•    Celebrate your small wins. Getting assignments and projects turned in can be reasons for celebration. You shouldn’t celebrate only at the end of a course or certificate. Take the time to acknowledge that you are making progress toward your goal with every step. 

•    Stay in communication with your PDC instructors and program manager. We want to know how things are going and welcome a call or an email to hear what you are learning or how you might need support. It’s our job – and we love it!