Balancing Work and Study
It’s a juggling act balancing your 9-to-5 work schedule and having to attend classes at night and on weekends whilst pursuing an MBA for full time working adults. But millions across the world have successfully done it and have achieved an MBA qualification all while maintaining a full time job. Here are the top three tips compiled by STUDYMASTERS which can help you strike a balance between work and study successfully:
Tip 1: Get organized
To achieve a balance between work and study, candidates need to be organized both at the office and in the classroom. This means that all the meetings and appointments need to be scheduled way in advance as to not interfere with class activities. Likewise, study schedules, study group discussions and submission dates need to be planned well ahead to avoid interfering with work schedules. Getting organized also frees up time allowing candidates to practice time management more efficiently.
Tip 2: Communicate
James Hume, a former U.S. Presidential speechwriter once said that “The art of communication is the language of leadership”. In order to manage expectations on both the employer side and on the postgraduate course side, candidates have to communicate their tight schedules to their employers, clients, lecturers and course mates. Effective communication helps in ensuring that the people around you know your schedule and also when will you be available. Effective communication also prevents unwarranted interference especially when candidates are studying for exams or having important work meetings.
Tip 3: Managing stress
Stress is part and parcel of daily live, more so when candidates are juggling multiple responsibilities such as work, family and studies. As such, the key point to note here is not to avoid stress entirely (as it is unavoidable) but to properly handle and manage stress. Candidates are also advised to take care of themselves first by eating healthy, having enough sleep, exercising regularly and to take time-offs in between work and studies. According to a study conducted by the University of Chicago published in 2011, knowing the right way to handle stress in the classroom can make the difference between success and failure for the millions of students. Researchers have found that a hormone released in response to stress can either be tied to a student’s poor performance on a math test or contribute to success, depending on the frame of mind of the student going into the test.
However, these days, the challenges of balancing work and studies become much easier as most universities offering postgraduate courses for working adults have flexible study schedules – In Malaysia, we have a number of top-rated foreign universities offering MBA courses designed specifically for professionals. For example, the Anglia Ruskin University MBA programme offers flexible schedule for working professionals with minimal disruption to your work and family life. The teaching-study methods offered frees up weeknights and most weekends. Connect with STUDYMASTERS for professional consultation and to find out more about the options available for you.
