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As the new academic year approaches and the high street becomes awash with ‘back to school’ messages, it’s natural to reminisce about your own years of full time education. Research recently conducted by our training partner Home Learning College reveals that there are many things we miss about school as adults – spending time with friends and the 3pm finish top the list – and many more we don't, such as wearing a dorky uniform or dealing with moody teachers.

Whatever your personal experience of school, it’s worth bearing in mind that successful people are often characterised by a tendency to acquire knowledge and skills throughout their careers. The good news is that mature learners often enjoy the process more, due to having a greater level of choice and control over what and how they study.

In today’s challenging job market, gaining new qualifications is one of the most effective ways to add momentum to your career. Professionally accredited courses are ideal because they add instant credibility to your CV, plugging skill gaps and demonstrating your capabilities and ambition. Another benefit is that professional study can often be completed in a matter of months, so it won’t be long before you start seeing the benefits of your hard work.

Nowadays, it’s possible to gain a wide range of professional qualifications via distance learning, allowing you to go back to school without ever setting foot in a traditional classroom. Instead, you study at the time and place that suit you best, with tutorial support delivered over the phone or by email. Many courses also offer virtual classes and contact with fellow students via an online learning platform, so you can enjoy all the benefits of being part of a wider community.

If you're still unsure whether further study is for you, here are five sign that it's time to make a positive change and enrol on a new course:

1. You lack confidence in the workplace
   Do you unfavourably compare yourself to others, convinced that everyone knows more than you? If you get intimidated in meetings, or are scared of using the wrong jargon and making yourself look silly then professional study will give you the knowledge and the lingo you need to have faith in your own ability.
2. You’re not fulfilling your true potential
   If you’ve reached a plateau in your career and are struggling to progress further then working towards a new professional qualification could show your boss that you’re capable of greater things. Alternatively, it might give you the confidence to hunt out new opportunities that make better use of your particular talents.
3. You’re bored in your current role
   Money and promotions aside, boredom is a common reason for seeking a new job. If you’re in need of a fresh challenge then enrolling on a course will get your brain ticking and give you something positive to focus on, while preparing you for better things.
4. You have practical experience but no qualifications
   You might have been doing your job for years but if the education section of your CV is thin on the ground then you could lose out to more qualified candidates. Don't let a lack of achievement at school hold you back from further study as an adult. Many of the things that held you back in years gone by simply don’t apply when learning as an adult.
5. You want to change career but don’t have relevant experience
It’s the classic chicken and egg scenario: you can’t get a job without experience but you can’t get experience without a job. Except, you can! Many employers are happy to consider professional qualifications when recruiting for entry level positions – after that it’s up to you how far you progress up the ladder.

If any of that sounds familiar then why not take a look at the range of distance learning courses available from Home Learning College and see how professional study could boost your career.