By Ismar Vallecillos, Regional Director of Operations at Western Governors University
In the not-so-distant past, “college” had a much more stringent definition. Today, college can be what you make it, whether that means setting your sights on a short-term certificate to quickly increase your job opportunities and wage potential. It can also mean something else, like going to college for several years to obtain a degree for the career you want.
Recent data reveals that more postsecondary students are following their own paths to and through college and finding success in short- and long-term programs. Students 25 and older now make up more than 40% of undergraduates nationally, and nearly 70% work while enrolled, many while raising families. In Utah, achievement trends reflect this shift: the state outpaces national averages in certificates, certifications, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. For instance, 12.4% of Utahns hold a quality certificate or certification, compared to just 7.8% of Americans.
As college deadlines approach for high school seniors and year-end talent reviews prompt reflection for working adults, many Utahns are taking stock of what comes next. Teens are considering how education supports their long-term plans, while adults are reassessing career goals amid AI-driven change, cautious hiring, and a “job-hugging” labor market where skill expectations continue to rise. With both groups in mind, here are five tips to help chart a path forward.
- Build on what you already know – What you’ve already learned matters. Skills gained through certificates, training, or work experience can shorten the path to your next credential if they’re recognized for credit. That recognition helps you avoid repeating old ground and keeps you moving forward. Competency-based education goes a step further by letting you apply prior knowledge directly. Once you show mastery of a subject, you can move ahead without waiting for the pace of a traditional class.
- Keep affordability in focus – The cost of higher education remains one of the biggest factors in whether students continue. Asking early how many credits will transfer, what scholarships are available, and whether an employer offers tuition support can make a major difference. Many institutions in Utah, including technical schools, community colleges, and universities, have transfer agreements that help students carry credits forward. Every credit that counts and every dollar of aid secured helps reduce the overall burden of tuition and student debt.
- Connect learning to career goals – Education is most valuable when it aligns with what comes next. Taking time to understand which credentials are in demand, what skills employers value, and how different programs link to job opportunities can help ensure that every step forward translates into real career momentum. Locally, Talent Ready Utah partners directly with employers in high-demand sectors like healthcare and IT to ensure training aligns with workforce needs.
- Stay open to change – The journey through higher education is rarely linear. Many students transfer to a new institution, switch fields, or return to school after time away. Viewing college as a flexible process rather than a fixed track makes it easier to adapt when interests or life circumstances shift, without losing momentum.
- Take education one step at a time – Completing a certificate, an associate degree, or even a handful of courses can open doors in the workforce. Additional credentials can be added later, creating a stackable path that grows over time. This approach keeps higher education manageable while allowing learners to stay employed and gain experience along the way.
Ultimately, higher education today is less about following a single path and more about crafting a personalized journey that fits individual goals, needs, and life circumstances. Whether starting with a short-term credential or steadily building toward a degree, every step offers value and opportunity. By embracing flexibility, leveraging prior learning, and aligning education with career aspirations, Utah learners can navigate the evolving landscape with confidence, opening doors to rewarding careers and lifelong growth.
