Should I go back to school to change careers?
When More Education Is Necessary
Some careers have strict educational requirements: nursing, law, medicine, teaching, accounting (for CPA), and engineering typically require a degree or license. If you're entering one of these, school is likely unavoidable.
Even then, check if there are accelerated programs for career changers, such as second-degree nursing programs or post-baccalaureate pre-med courses. These can save time compared to starting from scratch.
- Healthcare roles (nurse, doctor, therapist)
- Legal professions (lawyer, paralegal in some states)
- Education (public school teacher)
- Accounting (CPA licensure)
- Engineering (PE licensure)
When You Can Skip the Degree
In many fields—like tech, marketing, design, and skilled trades—employers care more about your skills and portfolio than a diploma. You can learn through bootcamps, online courses, certifications, and real projects.
For example, software developers often enter the field through coding bootcamps or self-study, and UX designers build portfolios from freelance work. Before enrolling in a program, talk to people working in the field to see what they actually look for.
Weighing the Cost and Time
Going back to school is a significant investment of time and money. Calculate the total cost (tuition, fees, lost income) and compare it to the expected salary increase. Sometimes a shorter certification gets you the same job.
Consider alternatives: part-time study while working, employer tuition assistance, or income-share agreements. Avoid taking on heavy debt unless the career's earning potential clearly justifies it.
Common mistakes
- Assuming you need a degree for every career change—many fields value demonstrable skills over formal education.
- Enrolling in an expensive program without first talking to people in the field about what's truly required.
- Ignoring the opportunity cost of lost income and experience while in school.
