Career pivoting is becoming increasingly common among adult learners. Adults, whether recent graduates or mid-career professionals are returning to higher education to acquire new skills, change industries, or advance their careers. However, this journey is not without its challenges, and universities and educational providers are reimagining their online programs to cater to this diverse and motivated audience.
The need for reskilling and upskilling among adults is on the rise. A survey conducted by Abound member Champlain College found that a significant portion of adults, around 60%, have considered returning to school to earn a certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree.
Adult learners, typically aged 25 and older, are becoming increasingly common and comprise a substantial portion of the student population. The National Center for Education Statistics projects that this trend will continue to grow, with adult learners eventually outnumbering traditional students. Unlike younger students who may explore various majors, adult learners are focused on their career goals and need targeted programs to meet their needs.
However, adult learners face unique challenges, such as balancing work, family, and education. These individuals are often self-funded, and financial concerns loom large. Additionally, technological advances and evolving learning formats can present obstacles for those who have been out of school for a significant period.
Online education has emerged as a viable solution to address the challenges faced by adult learners. These programs offer flexibility in scheduling, making it easier for adults to juggle multiple responsibilities. With time constraints and busy lives, adult learners seek ways to gain knowledge quickly and effectively. Online work-based learning programs bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, allowing adult learners to apply their knowledge immediately in real-world contexts.
Adult learners seek quick, practical courses to gain knowledge and skills relevant to their careers. Hands-on experience gained through work-based learning programs provides a bridge between theory and practice.
It enables adult learners to step into real-world industries and immediately apply their academic knowledge to professional settings. This seamless transition from education to employment meets the unique expectations of these learners.
Practical learning is invaluable for acquiring both technical and soft skills. While technical skills can be developed through academic coursework, power skills such as communication and problem-solving are best cultivated through hands-on experiences and collaboration.
These skills are highly transferable and enable learners to thrive in an evolving job market, particularly in the age of AI and technology. Gaining real-world experience is essential for adult learners, as it not only leads to a degree but also enhances employability and personal development.
Adult learners often return to education after career breaks or with the goal of changing professions. Starting anew in a different industry can be daunting, even more so for adult learners compared to recent graduates.
These individuals require more than theoretical knowledge; they need the confidence and competence to navigate the professional world effectively. Experiential learning provides them with real-world exposure, helping them contextualize their skills and develop new strategies for implementation.
To effectively integrate experiential learning into academic curricula, educational providers can leverage simulation, virtual labs, and real-world projects. Virtual labs simulate laboratory experiences through digital platforms, allowing learners to conduct experiments interactively.
Real-world projects complement virtual labs by applying simulated knowledge to practical scenarios. These projects prepare learners for real-life situations and enhance their problem-solving skills. Collaborative experiences with industry professionals during real-world projects provide learners with valuable insights and prepare them for future employment.
To offer experiential learning opportunities, educational providers should establish connections and partnerships with businesses aligned with learners' majors and desired skills. Collaboration between educational institutions and industry ensures a smooth transition from education to employment. Learners can engage in real-world projects that benefit both them and employers, creating mutually beneficial relationships.
The partnership between Bridgewater State University and Virtual Internships highlights the benefits of experiential learning. For someone like Jocelyn, the challenges of juggling time constraints and family responsibilities can often deter the pursuit of professional growth.
However, through remote experiential learning with Virtual Internships, Jocelyn not only overcame these obstacles but also found herself thriving in the dynamic professional world. Her story exemplifies how practical experience can empower learners to seamlessly integrate their academic pursuits with their personal lives.
Eilidh, a participant in the Women Returners Programme, a collaboration between Virtual Internships and Skills Development Scotland. Her story represents the potential of experiential learning in reigniting professional careers.
After a career break, Eilidh embarked on a path back to the corporate realm, only to discover that it was more than just a job; it was a rediscovery of confidence, a world of newfound possibilities, and the acquisition of future-proof skills. Her story illustrates the impacts of hands-on programs for individuals seeking to reenter the workforce.
As the gap between learner expectations and traditional education widens, Virtual Internships serves as a solution to enhance employability and provide valuable real-world exposure. Our collaboration with esteemed global educational providers such as University of People, Purdue University, Bay Atlantic University, Nazareth University, USC, and more exemplifies our commitment to pioneering experiential learning at scale, catering to diverse learners’ backgrounds.
Our distinctive innovative approach guarantees impactful outcomes, ensuring that every enrolled learner gains practical experience that aligns with their career aspirations. This commitment not only enriches learner engagement but also elevates enrollment rates. By integrating Virtual Internships platform into your academic offerings, universities can better attract adult learners and prepare them for successful career transitions.
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