Education Beyond 35: Who Benefits and Why?

The pursuit of education doesn't stop at a certain age. There is an inspiring quote from Henry Ford that experts on this topic like to share, "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” The skill of learning, or learnability, is a demanding one that an individual must possess for a successful career track. In today's fast-paced world, we are constantly learning from new tasks, our colleagues, books, online videos, podcasts, courses, and specialized education programs. This article will focus on various educational opportunities and courses designed for individuals who are no longer in the typical university age range.

More educated people

The world has become increasingly competitive. According to a? report by the Pew Research Center, today’s young adults in the United States are more educated than their parents were at the same age. Among young adults ages 25 to 29 in the US today, 40% have completed at least a bachelor’s degree. This share is slightly higher among adults ages 30 to 34 (44%). By comparison, only 24% of young adults ages 25 to 29 and 30 to 34 had a four-year college degree or more education in 1993. Young women have made greater gains in this area than young men. From 1993 to 2023 in the US, the share of young women ages 25 to 34 with at least a four-year college degree rose from 23% to 47%. Among young men, the increase was smaller (from 24% to 38%). Overall, youth in the US feel pressure to attend college. The 2023 Gallup and Walton Family Foundation-State of American Youth Survey reveals that approximately 73% of Gen Z young people experience pressure from their parents to pursue a two- or four-year college degree immediately after high school. Parents are encouraging their children to pursue a college degree despite having low confidence in higher education as an institution: 39% of U.S. adults aged 35 to 54 report having “a great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in higher education. Parents may thus see the long-term value in a college degree even if they have concerns with the current state of the higher education sector. So as we get older, we can potentially alleviate this pressure and discover our real preferences and priorities in education.

Does age matter??

According to the OECD, the average age of master’s students is 24 and the average age of PhD entry is 27. In the US the average age of students studying for a graduate degree is 33 years old with 22% of the graduates being over 40 years old. Most experts firmly say, "No, age doesn't matter." It's all just in our minds. Who is the oldest graduate of the world? It is not one person. The Guinness World Records site tells the story of Shigemi Hirata (Japan, b. 1 September 1919) who received a Bachelor of Arts degree aged 96 years 200 days, when he graduated from the Kyoto University of Art and Design. Mr. Hirata was enrolled in the university at the age of 85 in 2005 and took 11 years to complete its Ceramic Arts Course in 2016. If you search for "the oldest graduate," you'll discover numerous remarkable stories. Joyce DeFauw, 90, got her bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University over seven decades after she first stepped on campus. Giuseppe Paterno, 98, set a record for being the oldest graduate in Italy. Paterno earned a master’s degree in history and philosophy from the University of Palermo.

If you are currently between 30 and 35 years old, there is no question of whether you can complete a degree. The only question is what education you need and for what reason.

Courses vs. degrees?

Let's start by saying that it's not worth immediately contrasting courses with full-fledged degree programs. One does not exclude the other. The primary accomplishment of EdTech is its flexibility and accessibility. First of all, a person needs access to the Internet. The list of Coursera's most popular free courses is impressive: Financial Markets, Private Equity and Venture Capital, Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies, etc. Such courses serve well as initial steps or as a means to update knowledge acquired prior to technological advancements. But if you want to boost your career through education in a new field, you will need a certificate or degree. The educational sector is developing, and universities and services provide not only courses but also express and mini-format programs. You may study online and receive a Mini-MBA instead of a full MBA, for example. At NES we have the Mini-MiF online program (168 in-class hours) which is the first online program in finance in Russia and the first fully distance program at NES. It is designed in accordance with the best international standards in order to make high-quality financial education available from any location. For professionals with an educational background in math, physics, engineering or IT who do not work in finance, but are thinking about a career pivot and developing in the financial sector, the Mini-MiF program will help over a short time – of just six months – to acquire high-quality applied knowledge in finance. The full description of the program is here. NES also provides different courses (Data Analysis in Python, Data Visualization in Business, Financial Accounting, Modeling in Corporate Finance, Macroeconomics, etc). More details are here.?

Goals and benefits?

You no longer have the stereotype that it is too late to study, and you have decided on the area. What’s next? Consider the time and effort spent versus the potential future benefits. Time is your most valuable resource now. Sometimes you may choose to hire a new employee with skills in a new field, and it might work. However, it's often necessary to have a good understanding of the topic yourself in order to stay current. You should develop the skill of learning, which involves adaptability, critical thinking, persistence, collaboration, and innovation. Whether one is involved in academic, professional, or personal pursuits, mastering the art of learning is crucial for achieving success and fulfillment in life.