How to Balance MBA Coursework with Full-time Work

Here are Three Effective Tips for Success.

Looking  to advance your career? Obtaining an MBA while working full-time is a brilliant idea pursued by many. The Wall Street Journal published an article, “Looking to Double Your Salary? Try an M.B.A.” reporting both men and women doubling their incomes after graduating with an MBA. With the rise of the Internet and big data, more and more students are pursing a Business Data Analysis or Information System Management concentration.

While this sounds amazing, it can be challenging to balance your coursework, job and other obligations. On top of working a 40 plus hour week, you also need to find time to attend classes, complete assignments, study for exams in addition to other obligations such as preparing meals and taking care of family or pets.

Here are three effective tips to help you balance it all.

1. Be an Expert at Time Management

• Plan ahead. Make sure you calendar in important dates such as meetings, assignment due dates and exam dates. It can also be helpful to set reminders for these important upcoming dates so you do not lose sight of them.
• When it comes to coursework, carefully read the course syllabus, paying attention to assignment due dates and exam dates.
• Create a weekly game plan to help you visualize what you have on your plate each week.
• Keep a list of to-dos. Be sure to split up your to-dos into smaller tasks so that you don’t get overwhelmed.
• Prioritize, Prioritize, Prioritize. Get comfortable with the fact you have to say “no” to items that are outside your goal or that are low priority for now. While you may have to forgo doing some low priority items, remember that balancing full-time work with class is temporary.
  
  

  2. Be Flexible and Get a Little Creative

• Recognize that events (such as sickness, last minute work deadline and emergencies) may come up that will shift your schedule. Allow flexibility and update your game plan accordingly. Quickly re-planning will help you remain agile to tackle on your to-dos and tasks.
• Get creative with your scheduling. Can you squeeze in a lecture during your lunch break at work? If you take public transit, can you read an assignment during your commute?
• Find the best time for you to complete your assignment and study. For some people, it may be in the early morning or for other, in the late evenings, while everyone else in their household is asleep to avoid interruptions.
  
  

  3. Keep a Positive Mindset

• Keeping a positive mindset is the key to effectively balancing your work-study-life schedule. Maya Angelou once stated "if you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude."
• It’s okay to recognize that you’re stressed with everything going on. Instead of focusing on the stress, lay out an action plan to overcome your stress.
• Visualize the end result. How would you feel once you complete your class or better yet, obtain your MBA? Narrow in on that emotion and keep focusing on your end goal.