Five myths holding you back from moving to a new job

Thinking about upskilling or changing careers but keep finding reasons to put it off? You’re not alone. Many people hesitate to take the plunge, often held back by outdated assumptions about university study. Let’s break down five common myths that might be stopping you — and show you how UNE makes it easier than you think.

1. You don’t want to commit to a full-time degree

You don’t need to commit to several years of full-time study to gain valuable skills. UNE offers short courses such as Diplomas and Graduate Certificates, single-unit study, and fee-free pathway programs — all designed to fit around your existing work and life commitments.

These can be great options if you’re looking to safeguard your skillset by learning the industry best practices of today and the future.

Plus, if you choose to study a single-unit course, you may be able to put it towards a degree through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which allows you to complete your degree more quickly, and count towards your future qualification.

2. The future is too uncertain to make a move

It’s true that there’s a lot of uncertainty in the job market, but the best safeguard against uncertainty is to consider investing in your skills and start your learning journey to adapt to future ways of working.

If you’re unsure about what areas you could expand your skillset into, UNE have collaborated with world-leading data firm Accenture to create the Future of Work Predictor, a site which can create a customised report for your profession.

The report breaks down the overall changes you can expect, pinpoints how your daily tasks might shift, and even shows how your qualifications stack up. Plus, you can gain insights into wage and employment trends for your specific occupation, and perhaps most importantly, discover how AI could impact your career path.

3. It’s too tough to balance life, work and study

With an average student age of over 30 and decades of experience in providing online education, UNE understands the challenges of studying alongside juggling your career and other responsibilities.

With over 70 years’ experience in delivering education for students across Australia, UNE provides a flexible online experience that fits around your life.

Flexibility isn’t the only benefit to UNE’s online education experience; as an online student, you’ll receive 24/7 tutor support, learning content created with your needs in mind, and the option to move flexibly between full-time and part-time study., When you study with UNE, you’ll receive a world-class student experience.

4. Think you don't have the right qualifications to go to university?

If you entered the workforce without completing a high school certificate or equivalent, you might believe university isn’t an option for you.

However, there are many pathways to gain entry to study a degree at UNE. For example, you may be able to use your existing TAFE or VET qualifications as the basis of your entry, the Mature Age Special Entry program, and more depending on your individual circumstances.

There are also programs specially made to help prepare you for a university environment, including the Pathways Enabling Course, a fee-free course which focuses on developing your academic skills and confidence, as well as an elective unit which can go towards your future studies.

If you also have industry experience, it may enable you to complete your degree sooner through recognition of prior learning (RPL).

5. You’re too old to go back to university to upskill

While you’re most likely focussing on you and your own skills if you choose to upskill, it’s natural to want to connect with your peers and academic community while you learn together and collaborate on projects. No offence to younger students, but your priorities are probably a bit different to an 18 or 19-year-old. UNE offers a supportive and relatable learning environment, with the majority of their students being over 30 years of age. This demographic diversity is a direct result of UNE's commitment to providing high-quality, flexible learning options designed specifically for students juggling multiple responsibilities. You'll find yourself surrounded by peers who understand your priorities, creating a strong sense of community and fostering valuable connections that extend beyond the classroom.

Plus, mature-aged students tend to do better at university that younger students. They’re goal-oriented, have experience balancing their commitments, and can bring their full selves and experiences to their studies.

Taking a new direction could be simpler than you think. To learn more about the courses that could take you there, visit une.edu.au.