Looking for a good reason to learn?Whether you’re considering going to college or university, or you just want to expand your knowledge with a course – studying has many benefits. Whether it’s gaining the essential skills needed to be happier in your career, or even finally figuring out what job is actually right for you.

To help motivate you, here are six reasons you should start studying right now:

You’ll figure out where your passions lie

Figuring out what you want to do with your life isn’t always easy.

Not only do you have to decide what you enjoy doing, you also have to realise what you’re already good at.

Luckily though, you don’t have to dive head-first into a new industry without any knowledge of what it involves – you can actually learn about it first.

Whether you take a part-time course or go back into education full-time, learning more about the area you’re interested in will help you realise whether it’s really the right path for you.

After all, you might just like the idea of something, rather than the reality.

You’ll expand your interests

OK, we’re going to go ahead and say it; studying can be fun.

Pick an area you’re really interested in, and you could find that expanding your knowledge is far more interesting than expected.

It’s also great way to fulfil any ambitions you might not have had time for in the past.

Always wanted to learn how to code? Now’s your chance. Had a sewing machine for years but never learnt how to use it? Textiles course here you come. Need to learn how to beat the hardest level on candy cru…OK, some things just can’t be taught.

But whether you want to learn the basics of graphic design, or you’re interested in learning about cat psychology (definitely a real course) – there’s always a way to make studying work for you.

You’ll study on your terms

Gaining a qualification can seem like a big commitment.

But with almost every type of course in a range of sectors offering flexible learning, it doesn’t have to come at a cost to your time. You won’t have to spend five days a week in a classroom, and you won’t have to give up your life either.

In fact, with a number of colleges, universities, and course providers giving the option to study full-time, part-time, or on a distance learning basis, you might not even need to leave your house to get qualified.

No strict study times, less interference, and lots of control.

You’ll be able to quantify your skills

Even if you’re skilled at something, proving it can be a struggle – especially when it comes to your job search.

Taking a course will allow you put your skills and experience on paper, which will enhance your CV and increase your employability. Because even if particular qualifications aren’t a prerequisite for a role, you might find that someone who has them has the upper hand.

After all, who is an employer more likely to pick – someone who has ‘skills in accounting’, or someone who has ‘an industry recognised qualification in accounting’ (that encompasses all of the essential skills needed for the job)?

Trust us; the extra effort will pay dividends in the long run.

You’ll have more career options

If you don’t have the right qualifications, you could be missing out on your dream job.

Although they’re not essential in every career – industries like healthcare, engineering, and teaching usually require a degree to get started, with many others asking for candidates with industry-recognised qualifications.

And if you’re worried about a course not linking back to your career goals – don’t panic.

Many courses include practical work placements that help to build on your experience, and/or offer a direct route into your chosen career path.

You could earn more money

Although taking a course won’t necessarily boost you up to the highest income imaginable – it will definitely be a start.

And, the higher the level of education you have, the more your income could increase – with Masters Students earning a 25% higher salary than the national average. PhD owners are proven to earn even more.

Finally, although this isn’t true of every single industry, many employers (especially in fields like healthcare and science) class certain qualifications as a prerequisite if you want to progress or move into a different specialism.

So when it comes to your career, a qualification could give you a much needed lift.