For adults returning to college, the benefits of real world experience such as holding full-time jobs, paying bills, heading a household, or raising families prove to be highly valuable in preparing these more mature, nontraditional students for the unique and nontraditional realm of online education.

Here are some of the types of skills and knowledge unique to adults returning to college that can be used to their advantage as online students:

1. Self discipline

Balancing the responsibilities of working full time and enjoying the many things that life has to offer is a challenge requiring some good old fashioned self-discipline.

Here are three key types of self-discipline that are essential for success as an online student:

• Preparation is key for a successful life, both in terms of personal success and professional success. From sitting down for a healthy breakfast, to visualizing the day before it begins, to creating a killer presentation for the boss, preparation is no stranger to most adults. It is important for online students to prepare for an online degree both before they begin their degree and daily by having an adequate workspace, a computer and Internet connection, the funds and the time to go to school plus an idea of what needs to be done day to day.
• Organization is another life skill that will translate well to going back to school since any mother knows that it is no small feat getting the kids off to school with their lunch and homework in hand and clean clothes on their backs. Having a clean workspace with the proper materials at hand plus a knowledge of what needs to be done and when are crucial to an online student’s ability to work productively.
• Time management is such an essential skill that it should be its own subject in school! Adults who have held jobs or raise kids know the importance of and are accustomed to a routine and schedule and online students are solely responsible for creating their own school routine and schedule in order to achieve their online education goals.

2. Written communication

From composing an unforgettable resume and cover letter to sending emails to friends, co-workers or bosses, writing is a part of many adults’ every day life. The online experience involves plenty of writing since that is the primary way online students have to communicate every aspect of their education. Therefore, strong written communication skills are a must for adults returning to college!

3. Computer skills

Perhaps this one should have been number one on this list! In today’s technologically saturated world, most adults will have some experience with computers on the job or even at home, especially if there are kids involved, some adults may even use their kids as IT support! Every bit of computer knowledge will serve the online student well since they must be comfortable with the assigned software and the Internet in order to complete their online education.

4. Motivation

As a worker in the real world, you are working in order to put food on the table and pay the bills, unlike school where you are working to get good grades. In the real world your job security depends upon your performance. When your livelihood depends upon your job, you are motivated in a uniquely intense way. This kind of motivation will be an asset to any online student since online courses are usually self-paced where students are entirely responsible for the work they get done. Being a self-starter or maintaining a strong sense of motivation will prove rewarding both on the job and as an online student.

5. Appreciation

Knowing the value of a dollar and hard work or the beauty of  learning for learning’s sake is a hallmark of adulthood. This kind of appreciation is once again a life lesson that adults returning to college as online students can apply to their scholarly efforts. When you are footing the bill for your education, you work harder to do well and get everything you can out of the experience. You are driven by the idea of the positive changes it may afford you and your family in the future. You care more about simply getting good grades and embrace the course material and consider how what you are learning can be applied to your career and beyond.