By: The Capella University Editorial Team with Lorinda Mohwinkel, Senior Career Coach, Graduate and Career Services
Reading time: 4 minutes
Going back to school as a working adult is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between work, family and personal commitments, adding coursework into the mix requires balance and persistence.
The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. A strong support network can make your educational journey more manageable, helping you stay motivated and on track.
Here are some practical ways to create a network of resources and people who you can lean into as you pursue your goals.
Before you can build a reliable network of support, it helps to recognize the kinds of pressures many adult learners face today. Common challenges include:
You may already have a full schedule with work, family or caregiving obligations. Carving out study time can require trade-offs, prioritization and sometimes saying “no” to other demands.
Tuition, textbooks and associated costs are an investment, which can create anxiety that distracts from studying.
Some adult learners return to school after years away. Reacquainting yourself with writing, research, math or new technologies can be a challenge.
Illness, job changes, family emergencies or relocations can disrupt even the best-laid plans.
By identifying which of these issues feels most urgent for you, you’ll be better equipped to choose targeted supports rather than trying to do everything at once.
Universities design support systems specifically to help adult learners thrive. Tapping into them early and consistently is one of the smartest moves you can make. Academic support in higher education typically includes:
Professors and counselors can help with course planning, troubleshooting and staying on track. Don’t wait until you feel behind – regular communication makes the biggest difference.
Tutors can help strengthen the skills that coursework demands. Whether it’s refining an essay or brushing up on quantitative methods, these resources can save hours of frustration.
Discussion boards, online study groups and chat rooms are ways you can connect with peers in your program, geographic area or professional field. These spaces can provide encouragement, tips and collaboration.
At Capella, student support begins the moment you enroll. For example, students have access to enrollment specialists, academic coaches, a writing center, a library and the Career Development Center.
Your personal circle can be an anchor through the ups and downs of your academic journey. Adult students who actively involve their family and friends may be better positioned to manage stress and stay focused. But to make that support effective, a little planning helps.
The key is clear communication:
When your family and friends understand why finishing your degree matters, they’re more likely to champion your efforts.
Whether it’s childcare, household tasks or simply encouragement, clarity makes it easier for others to step in.
Establishing regular study times, meal prep schedules or “quiet hours” creates consistency for everyone in the household.
Expanding your circle outside the classroom can be just as important as engaging inside it. By cultivating relationships with peers, mentors and professional networks, you’ll gain support that keeps you motivated and helps you plan for the future.
Here are some ways to build those relationships:
Study groups can provide accountability and motivation. A weekly check-in can keep momentum going, even when other responsibilities crowd in.
Colleagues, alumni or professionals in your field can serve as mentors, offering career insight, advice and encouragement.
Connect with the career services at your school. They can suggest workshops and webinars and other ways to expand your professional network.
Capella’s career development center is example of how institutions can help students make these connections. Capella also has a networking platform on which students and alumni can create profiles and connect with the Capella community.
Building your network is only half the work – it’s just as important to keep those connections strong. Support networks are most effective when they’re nurtured over time. Instead of waiting for a crisis, invest in your connections now. A few strategies include:
Small, consistent conversations with advisors, mentors or peers help you course-correct before challenges become setbacks.
Celebrate milestones with your network and let people know how their support has helped you along the way.
Encouragement and help flow both ways. When you invest in others, your community grows stronger.
A strong support network is one of the best tools for staying motivated and finishing your degree. Begin building your network today by scheduling a check-in with your advisor, joining an online community of learners or exploring Capella student support services. Each step strengthens your ability to stay on track and set yourself up for long-term success.
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