In today's fast-paced job market, ongoing education is key to career advancement and success. For many working adults, the idea of returning to school can seem daunting, especially when balancing family responsibilities and career demands. However, Ensign student Candice Pratt found that with the right support and determination, it wasn’t too late for her to invest in her education and career growth.
Candice, a mother of four from Grantsville, Utah, first considered going back to school in 2015, when her youngest child was entering kindergarten. "I thought, 'What am I going to do for the rest of my life while the kids are in school?'" she recalls. A flyer at church caught her attention, introducing her to Ensign College (then known as LDS Business College).
After touring the campus, Candice knew she had found the right place. She enrolled and earned her Associate of Applied Science in Accounting in 2017. This accomplishment opened doors for her, leading to a seven-year stint at a CPA firm, where she managed a payroll company.
As much as she loved her job, Candice knew she wanted more. When she learned that Ensign College now offers a bachelor’s degree in accounting, she decided to take the leap. "I was feeling like I needed a change," Candice explains. "I prayed and really felt like I should go back to school."
For working adults considering a similar path, Candice's experience offers valuable insights:
1. Career-Focused Curriculum
Ensign College's emphasis on practical, career-oriented education resonated with Candice. "I love that Ensign has so many ways that you can connect with people in the field that I have decided to study," she shares. The college offers job fairs and brings guest speakers into classes, providing students with valuable industry insights and networking opportunities.
2. Internship Programs
A standout feature of Ensign's curriculum is the internship program. Candice explains, "I have not done my internship yet, but honestly, I am super excited about it. I want to find a corporation here in the valley where I could possibly do my internship and see if that's where my love is and what I want to do."
3. Flexible Learning Options and Personalized Support
One of the key factors that made Candice's return to education possible was Ensign College's flexible class schedule and personalized support. "The student support on the ninth floor is amazing," Candice says. "Going and talking to the counselors and planning out your schedule is very helpful. You can cater your schedule exactly as you need it to be, which for a mom like me, I need it to be that way."
4. Affordability and Financial Peace of Mind
In a time when student debt is a major concern for many, Ensign College's affordable tuition was a significant draw for Candice. "I honestly did not want to be in debt to go back to school," she admits. The college's competitive pricing made it possible for her to pause her career and focus on completing her degree without financial stress.
5. Supportive Learning Environment
Despite being older than many of her classmates, Candice found a welcoming and supportive atmosphere at Ensign College. "The teachers are so amazing and really want to see you progress in your education," she says.
6. Unique Spiritual Atmosphere
For those who value a spiritual component in their education, Ensign College offers a unique experience. Candice shares, "There's nothing like starting a class with a prayer and a thought. Having that connection to the Spirit, it just helps you in so many ways to be able to accomplish what you've got set before you."
7. Real-World Preparation
Candice appreciates how the college's emphasis on group projects prepares students for the realities of the workplace. "It just prepares you for the workforce big time because what are you doing in the workforce? You're working together as a team," she explains.
8. Personal and Professional Growth
Returning to school has been a transformative experience for Candice. "I find myself just loving all my classes," she enthuses. The knowledge she's gaining is not only applicable to her chosen field but also contributes to her personal growth and sense of fulfillment.
9. Setting an Example
For working parents, Candice's journey demonstrates that pursuing higher education can have a positive impact on the whole family. "In a way, I think it is a great example to my children in showing them that education is important," she reflects.
Candice's story is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and the opportunities that await those willing to take the leap. Her experience at Ensign College showcases how the right educational institution can make all the difference for working adults looking to advance their careers.
As Candice puts it, "I think education can happen at any time in your life. I raised four wonderful children and I knew that I needed to be in the home to take care of them. But this is my time to get my education, and it works for me and my family."
For those considering a return to education, Candice's advice is clear: "If you feel that you need to go back to school or you want to get just a little bit more education to maybe make the job that you have now a little bit more, go ahead and do it because it will be the best thing that you ever did."
In a world where continuous learning is key to career advancement, Candice Pratt's experience at Ensign College serves as an inspiring example. With support, flexibility, and determination, it's never too late to invest in your education and take your career to new heights.
Ready to make a similar move? Reach out to our admissions team for more information.