1. Find something that works for you
If you are planning to study this year, you’ve inevitably considered how that will impact your home, work and social life, and everything else that you have going on in the matrix. So now it’s time to find a course that will work for you!
For example; If you are an at-home parent without other childcare options, online study may be something for you to consider. Although, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of your study method. A course delivered solely online does come with its own challenges, for example; no face to face contact with your trainer and other students to share your ideas, or to discuss how you interpret the content etc.
If you are someone who needs to be in a classroom environment, with hands-on learning and the opportunity to have support from the trainer in person, you may consider enrolling in a classroom-based course with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Once you have something locked in, get organized!
You already know which days you will be attending your course, and been given an indication of how much ‘outside of class’ study time you will need to consider, so it’s time to make it fit in with everyone and everything else in your life.
Make sure you have organised childcare (and a backup in case your plans fall through), let your work know you are studying so you can cater your shifts to suit the requirements of the course. Make sure you are available for all course sessions and have enough time to complete work outside of class.
2. Get some advice
Get some advice from people who have done it before. Many of our students here at ET Australia have been referred by a family member or a friend who has done a course with us before.
Even if they aren’t studying the same thing you are, talking to people who have achieved a goal like your own can be very beneficial. See what worked for them, what they wish they knew while they were studying, what they found hard, any tips and tricks that they can pass on to help make your study journey a little bit easier.
You can also read testimonials from previous students about their experience with an RTO to see what your training environment or trainer will be like before you start.
Studying in a group is also a great idea.
3. Plan your study time and space
Having a dedicated, quiet area for study can really help keep you motivated during your course. A space you can be in with just the essentials you need to complete your study. Eliminate distractions, such as television, mobile phones or even other people. Previous students have found that having this space allows their brain to switch into ‘study mode’, and the more they did it, the easier it became.
You could also dedicate a specific time to study. Knowing that you have that dedicated time each day, or even a few days per week will make it easier to plan out your assessments so that you aren’t overwhelmed. It will also help others understand that during this time, you have something to achieve and it will help them understand that you cannot be disturbed.
4. Prepare family and friends
It is important to let people in on your plans when making a decision that could also affect them. ET Australia often speak with students who have family responsibilities and have had to make changes in order to take on study commitments. Sometimes, not everyone involved is feeling great about not having mum readily available 24/7, or not getting as much time with dad while he studies – it could even be resistance from friends who don’t understand why you can’t go out for lunch on a particular day because you are attending your course.
Whatever the reason may be, having a conversation with them before you start, and giving them time to prepare for potential changes can really help with this situation.
Let them know why you have chosen to study, what the changes may be that affect them, and most importantly, let them in on the bigger picture. Why are you choosing to study at this time?
Will the outcome of the course result in something that will benefit the family in a positive way?
Is this something you have always wanted to achieve, and feel now is the right time in your life?
By having the conversation, you can potentially avoid a situation where you feel unsupported because the people around you don’t understand the bigger picture.
5. Prepare to be your own cheerleader
Whilst your trainer and chosen study provider should offer support to you throughout your course, you should also be prepared to be your own cheerleader.
There are inevitably going to be times where you think “What have I gotten myself into?”, especially when you are knee-deep in assessments or studying something that’s necessary but mundane.
These are the times you remind yourself why you are doing this. You are the only one who is going to get you through the course. Self-motivation will power, combating negative self-talk are all crucial in keeping yourself on task.
Focus on those goals that made you enrol in the first place and cheer yourself on until you achieve them because you can.
RTO ID 90084