Take the next step in your career with a graduate degree while still working.

Boston is known for many things: great sports teams, a memorable tea party dockside—and, without doubt, the quality of its universities. We all should be going to a Sox game, drinking Earl Grey, and continuing our education.

Regarding that last item. You’re working, you say, and can’t get away? Don’t overlook the benefits of part-time study to help you get ahead in the full-time world.

Here are 5 reasons to get yourself back to school this fall—evenings on campus, or online. 

1. Your Professional Experience Matters. Continuing education is a two way street; no hiding at the back of the classroom. Other students and professors will benefit from hearing about your experience—as you will from listening to them. Practical experience counts.

2. You Can Apply What You’ve Learned, Immediately. The beauty of part-time study is that you don’t have to wait until you’ve graduated to show your employer how you’ve improved. Whether it’s learning new processes, getting up-to-date on social media trends, or improving your programming skills, you can put into practice at work what you’ve learned in the classroom, the next day. 

3. You’ll Network with Students. If life is about who you know, get ready to meet a lot of interesting people. You won’t need to look farther than the student next to you to build your professional network. Whether it’s interacting in course lessons, working on group projects, or just grabbing a bite after class, take advantage of the opportunity to build connections. Networking is half the game. 

4. You’ll Learn from Industry Experts. What better way to master a skill than to talk to someone who has already proved him/herself in the industry? Whether it’s consulting on the Big Dig or owning an interactive media company, your professors have succeeded in the real world and you will benefit from their insight.

5. You Can Find Flexibility in Scheduling. Do you have a busy quarter coming up at work? Or is there a family vacation that’s been planned for months? Part-time means you have options on campus and online, and scheduling semester to semester. You can make school work for you. 

Going back to school is enormously rewarding, personally and professionally. The skills you acquire and the contacts you make will serve you throughout your career. And you can do it. Learn more about the benefits of part-time study and find the school that is right for you. (And make sure to check out all the programs offered at Boston University’s Metropolitan College!)