Should I Pursue Further Education as a 30-Year-Old Immigrant in New Zealand?
Hello OU community,
I’m reaching out for some guidance as I navigate an important life decision. At 30 years old and having moved to New Zealand, I find myself in a unique position, and I would greatly appreciate your insights.
Nine years ago, I made the difficult choice to drop out of a challenging LLB program at the University of London due to mental health and financial challenges. Since then, the absence of a degree has lingered in my mind, especially considering I excelled in my O-levels back in 2010.
Currently, I’m in New Zealand supporting my partner, who has a stable job. Unfortunately, I’ve struggled to find employment due to the ongoing recession. We plan to apply for residency (New Zealand’s Indefinite Leave to Remain) in just over two years, which brings me to my considerations about further education.
Lately, I’ve discovered a passion for town planning. I really enjoy engaging with others about transport issues and city policies. However, pursuing this field directly in New Zealand is financially daunting due to the high international tuition fees. Instead, I’m contemplating an online degree in either Economics or Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the Open University. This route would cost around £23,000, which is significantly less than the £81,000 I’d need for a town planning degree in NZ.
Once I secure residency, my plan is to pursue a Master’s in Urban Planning at Auckland University, where I would qualify for domestic fees. I currently have about £20,000 saved in investments, which would help but still leaves me with concerns about my financial future.
However, my friends suggest I focus on securing a job first, wait for residency, and only then pursue a degree in Urban Planning. This path would likely delay my education by at least three years.
I’m eager to hear thoughts from professionals in the field, those who’ve faced similar decisions, or anyone with relevant experience. Should I take the leap into further education now, or wait it out? Thank you in advance for your advice!
It’s great to see you taking the time to carefully weigh your options regarding education and career planning in New Zealand. It sounds like you’re facing a pivotal moment, and your desire to pursue further studies in a field that genuinely interests you is commendable. Here’s some practical advice to help you navigate your situation:
1. Assess Your Current Financial Situation
Before making any decisions, conduct a thorough assessment of your current finances. While you have £20k saved, it’s essential to consider your living expenses in New Zealand, potential tuition costs, and how you’ll manage your finances while studying. Research government assistance, scholarships, or part-time work opportunities that could help supplement your income while studying.
2. Explore Transferable Skills
Consider the skills you’ve gained from your past experiences, even if they were in contexts unrelated to urban planning. For example, working as a flight attendant likely enhanced your communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills. Highlighting these transferrable skills can make you more appealing to potential employers or educational institutions.
3. Look for Shorter Courses or Certifications
You might want to consider enrolling in shorter courses or certifications related to urban planning or fields like project management, urban design, or environmental studies. These could offer you foundational knowledge and help you build a network in the industry without the immediate financial burden of a full degree. Courses on platforms like Coursera or edX can sometimes offer relevant training at a fraction of the cost.
4. Evaluate the Job Market
While you’re currently facing a recession, keep an eye on emerging opportunities in local councils, urban development firms, or NGOs focused on community planning or transport issues. Consider volunteering or taking up internships to gain practical experience and start building a network in the urban planning sector. Even if a full-time role isn’t available right now, gaining practical experience can help you stand out later on.
5. Utilize Your Time Wisely
If you decide to wait for residency before enrolling in a full program, use this time to build your knowledge in urban planning. Read books, listen to podcasts, and engage with online communities related to urbanism and public policy. This will not only keep your passion alive but could also provide insights that are valuable when you start your studies.
6. Build a Professional Network
Networking is crucial in any field. Consider joining professional organizations related to planning and development in New Zealand, attending seminars, and connecting with local professionals on LinkedIn. This can provide you with mentorship opportunities and sometimes even job openings that aren’t publicly advertised.
7. Consider Language and Communication Skills
If English isn’t your first language, consider refining your language skills, as strong communication is key in urban planning. This could involve taking a course or joining local groups where you can practice spoken and written English in professional contexts.
8. Plan for The Long-Term
While the idea of pursuing your degree online is appealing, think about your long-term career goals. Urban planning is a field that values degrees, but it also appreciates on-the-ground experience. Reflect on where you see yourself not just in a few years but further down the line to align your decisions with those aspirations.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your personal circumstances, financial situation, and career goals. Balancing immediate employment opportunities with the eventual goal of pursuing a degree in urban planning is a prudent strategy that can set you up for longer-term success. Remember that every step you take, whether through work or study, builds on your pathway, and engaging actively in your community will position you better for when you’re ready to re-enter formal education. Whatever you decide, remain confident in your passion for urban planning, and leverage it as a driving force for your next steps. Good luck!