The Juggling Act: Balancing Graduate School with Your Career

How can you successfully balance your studies with work responsibilities and not sacrifice the quality of your work in either? Here are some tips to help you maximize time in your busy schedule.

1. Choosing the right program. There are many things to consider when deciding which graduate school to attend, an important factor being the program calendar and if the class schedule will interfere with your work schedule. Take into consideration a degree program that will allow you the opportunity to be successful at balancing both. Fortunately, Embry-Riddle has both a wide range of master’s degree programs for you to choose from, as well as an online option so you can build a degree program to fit your schedule.
   
   
2. Stay on schedule. Many graduate programs will provide you with a recommended course schedule. This is done to give you the best opportunity to complete your degree in a timely manner. Embry-Riddle's admissions counselors are available for you to discuss a class schedule that will help you balance your class and work schedule.
   
   



3. Routine is key. Do you have a consistent daily routine? If so, stick to it. If not, start making notes of your daily activities to see when the best time would be to complete coursework. This will help with time management during the length of your graduate program.
   
   And don’t forget to schedule downtime each week. Just as scheduling time to complete coursework is important, so is allowing yourself time to decompress and focus on something other than academics!
   
   
4. Combine academics and your career. It’s likely that you chose your master’s degree program to level-up your career. Incorporating real-world, professional experience into academics can complement your coursework – and save valuable time! The same goes for bringing academics into your professional world. Creating opportunities to combine the two is not only a timesaver, but a chance to see the value of your degree while your program is still in progress.
   
   
5. Talk to your boss. It’s important to let your supervisor know when you’re beginning your graduate degree program. This creates an opportunity to share your concerns around time management and let them know that you may need to take some personal leave in the future to complete an assignment or study for an exam. The sooner you let them know, the more likely they are to accommodate you.
   
   
6. Lean on your village. If you’re having difficulty finding the time to get your coursework done because of previous obligations, ask for help. Whether it’s family, friends, coworkers or classmates, they are all rooting for you. If you need someone to step in and take your child to their soccer practice on a day you have an assignment due, ask. If it’s taking too long to complete a project, ask a classmate for advice. They understand what you’re going through and may be able to talk you through the issue. A strong support system will help you during those times you feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day.

While working and attending graduate school is no easy feat, adapting these helpful time management tips will help.