Becoming a Student Again

Has it been several years since you obtained your undergraduate degree?  Are you in the process of changing careers?  Do you have a family and will be working part-time or full-time while you're working towards your degree?  Are you nervous about making the leap or keeping up with school work after being away from school for so long?  If so, you may have heard the term non-traditional student.  It may seem daunting, but it wasn't so long ago that I was in the same position.   Many students at UMSI follow a non-traditional path and have been able to complete the program and find successful (and satisfying) job opportunities post-graduation. 

I applied to UMSI after working for five years in architectural design (not to be confused with information architecture!)  I felt something missing in my career choice and decided to take a chance and pursue a career I was more passionate about.  I was wondered if the last five years of my life was all a waste and if I would be able to start over and be successful in school.  I may only be in my second semester of school but coming to UMSI has opened more doors than I could have ever dreamed of.  I now know that going to UMSI was the best decision I could have made both personally and professionally. 

Knowledge Transfer
Many of the classes at UMSI are project based and require working closely with teams.  My professional work experience has only helped me become a better student, providing me with additional insight and being able to manage tasks and group projects more efficiently and effectively. Teams consists of students from all different backgrounds and experience levels.  One of the strengths at UMSI is its diversity.  By working with students of with different backgrounds, students are able to share their strengths and learn from each other. 

Flexibility
The classes as UMSI are typically in three hour blocks as to allow students to continue working part-time or even full-time while taking courses.  In fact, almost all UMSI students work part-time while they are students.  The flexibility of the program also makes it easier for parents to coordinate their schoolwork with their families.  Part-time students are able to complete the program within 3-4 years compared to the full-time 2 year program.  Evening courses are available; however, you will need some flexibility from your employer as not all classes are available during evening hours. 

Career Development
UMSI has amazing career development staff who are there to help you craft your resume to make sure that you are able transfer your previous experience as you're beginning your new career.  They are able to advise you on which classes to take based on your interests and connect you with alumni and potential employers.  The career development office offers a series of  workshops and events throughout the semester to help students find internships, create and design portfolios, and ways to best present yourself to potential employers.