Planning Tips for Adult Learners

Like many adult learners, you’re likely looking at career and education planning differently than younger students. Your financial and family needs are unique—and you don’t have the same timeline of preparing and planning over 4 years of high school. There is no “one size fits all” process or timeline for adult learners. But there are some common steps you can take to help you succeed:

• Review our adult student handbook. This handbook offers a step-by-step guide for adults thinking of a career change or going back to school for more education. Download the handbook (PDF)  
• Schedule an appointment with a VSAC EOC counselor in your region. Your counselor can help with career and college planning and financial aid applications. Get tips for scheduling your appointment >
• Create a career action plan. Our adult career action plan checklist can help you stay on track. Download the plan > (PDF)
• Find out what careers may be a good fit for you. Get tips for finding a career that fits your skills, interests, and personality. Or, use our Do What You Are (DWYA) online tool to research connections between your personality and career interests. Register for DWYA now >
• Keep a journal. You can use your journal to record the results of Career and education activities (PDF) and contact information for career counselors and college admissions professionals. 
• Plan to attend a career fair. To find a career fair near you, check out our events calendar >
• Research the education or training you need in order to pursue the work you’d like to do. Find more information about duties, education and training, and more with these resources:
  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Vermont Department of Labor
  • Vermont Labor Market Information
• Research your education options. These may include:
  • Colleges and universities in Vermont
  • Short-term training and certificate programs
  • The Vermont Department of Libraries (many local libraries offer free online courses on hundreds of topics)
  • The Vermont Adult Technical Education Association (a resource that offers programs in everything from healthcare to information technology at regional centers throughout Vermont)
  • Community High School of Vermont (a resource with campuses throughout Vermont dedicated to helping adult learners develop personalized learning plans)
  • Vermont Adult Learning (a resource that offers a GED program and other learning opportunities for adults at locations throughout Vermont)
  • Central Vermont Adult Basic Education (a resource that provides free literacy instruction for adults and out-of-school youth in Central Vermont)
  • Northeast Kingdom Learning Services (a resource that offers a GED program and other learning opportunities for Vermonters in the Northeast Kingdom)
  • The Tutorial Center (a resource that offers a GED program and other learning opportunities for Vermonters in Bennington and Manchester)
  • Use our adult college selection worksheet to compare your options >
• Think carefully about your family budget and how you will pay for your education. Use our financial aid budget worksheet (PDF) to get started. And get tips for creating a financial plan >
• Apply for financial aid. There are many sources of financial that can help you pay for college or career training. Get financial aid tips for adult learners >

NEXT: Get financial aid to help pay for college or career training >