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It’s a classic Catch-22 many recent graduates face: the need for advanced education to land a great job and the requirement of a good job to finance further studies. This conundrum might make it seem as if you’re stuck in a never-ending loop. However, what if there’s a straightforward solution you’ve overlooked? Imagine the possibility of working full-time while also attending business school.
The truth is that, with a little bit of planning, juggling a full-time job with business school doesn’t have to be as difficult as you may think. And best of all, you’ll benefit from on-the-job experience while still gaining new skills and knowledge that can help you to hack your way to the top of the corporate ladder.
Struggling to juggle a full-time job and business school? Unlock the 5 secrets to achieving the perfect work-study balance. Excel in both your career and academics without compromising on either. #WorkLifeBalance #BusinessSchool #CareerTipsClick To TweetHere are 5 handy tips that can make it easier to study and work at the same time:
1. Study Online
One of the best ways to make things a lot easier on yourself right from the start is to choose your business school program wisely. Thanks to fantastic digital communications channels and online learning platforms, some business schools now offer students the opportunity to study remotely, without the need to spend hours in the classroom. And perhaps best of all, much of the content is pre-recorded and stored in the cloud, which means you can access the materials at any time, and study at your own pace. This allows you to easily fit in your study sessions in your own time, outside of standard working hours.
2. Realize That It’s OK to Say ‘No’
Forget about that old Jim Carey movie ‘Yes Man’. Sometimes, it’s OK to say ‘no’. The thing with both organizations and with business schools is that they understand the importance of extending beyond the office, or beyond the classroom. networking and immersing yourself in the study/work culture can play a significant role in success, but that doesn’t mean that you have to RSVP to every extracurricular event. While it’s important to socialize with colleagues from both your office and your course, it’s also really important to understand that you don’t have to do everything… It’s OK to not be a superhero.
3. Chat With Your Boss
If you’ve been feeling nervous about telling your boss that you’ve enrolled in business school, don’t be. Professionals enroll in business school for one reason: to gain more knowledge and become better at what they do… that’s something that a lot of bosses are only too happy to get on board with. Having a chat with your boss about your academic goals and workplace expectations can actually be one of the best ways to juggle a full-time job and business school. You may find that your company has measures in place to support employees returning to their studies, and they may even offer a little bit of flexibility.
4. Stay Organized
Despite best efforts, the truth is that you’ll probably find you have a lot going on when you’re trying to work and study at the same time. The secret? Impeccable organization. Business school programs may not be quite as highly structured as the average workday, and you may have some weeks that are more hectic than others. That’s why a weekly review can be handy. One night a week, sit down and review your schedule for the upcoming 7 days. This gives you an opportunity to shift appointments if necessary to reduce time pressures and, most importantly, figure out when you have some time to relax!
5. Take a Day Off
The absolute best way to juggle a full-time job with a business school is to give yourself a day off every now and then. While this may sound counterproductive, and you may feel like you have too much to get done, taking a day for yourself is essential for keeping your head in the game. No one can run at top speed indefinitely… We all need to take a step back and recharge our batteries every so often. So do it. And don’t feel bad about it. A day off reduces the risk of you becoming overwhelmed by your workload and allows you to clear your head, returning rejuvenated and ready to handle whatever’s thrown at you.
Take the Chance
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a recent graduate or you’ve been building your career for a few years… it’s never too late to further your education and give yourself an opportunity to expand your learning. And while it can be nerve-wracking to go back into education after you’ve secured a job (especially if you’re planning on working and studying at the same time!), it can be well worth it. Will you be busy? Sure. But with these 5 simple yet handy tips, you’ll be better equipped to juggle everything with ease.
This third edition of Your MBA Game Plan includes even more sample essays and resumes from successful applicants, fresh insight into 35 leading business schools from around the world, and advice specifically tailored to international applicants.
