Completing an MBA is a significant time and financial commitment. In order to be successful, you’ll need to balance your education with your family, work, social life, and health. I have completed two master’s degrees while working full-time. In addition, I have taught both in-person and online MBA courses. The following tips can help you thrive in an online master’s program:
- Create a vision for the future.
- Seek support from family and friends.
- Gain support from your manager and professional network.
- Develop a relationship with your professor.
- Build connections with your classmates.
- Create structure to study and complete your assignments.
- Leverage the resources your university offers.
- Recognize when you need a break.
1. Create a Vision for the Future
Before you enroll in an online graduate program, clarify your “why.” As in, why do you want to earn a master’s degree? Reflecting on where you want to be professionally and personally in the next 5-10 years can help you answer this question.
For example, do you aspire to hold a leadership or C-suite position at your organization? Do you have any major personal or financial goals you’d like to achieve? If so, do you have a target salary or position in mind that could make those dreams a reality?
Master’s programs are designed to be academically rigorous to help you achieve ambitious career goals. When things inevitably feel challenging, remembering your why can help you refocus and push through.
2. Seek Support From Family and Friends
Once you have a clear vision for your future, reach out to your family, friends, and other important individuals in your life to ask them for their support. There will be times when your education will need to take priority over other duties or social activities. Proactively asking for their understanding and support can prevent hurt feelings and unnecessary stress.
3. Gain Support From Your Manager and Professional Network
In addition to family and friends, reach out to your professional network for support. Share your goals with your manager and make sure you’re both on the same page about expectations. For example, figure out if any deadlines or responsibilities need to shift and discuss changes to your work travel schedule, if applicable. Have an open dialogue about how you can create a win-win relationship by leveraging what you learn in your master’s program to help solve problems at work that will benefit your organization.
It’s important to have coworkers whom you can count on as well. Having colleagues who can provide coverage within reason when you’re immersed in your coursework can relieve stress. Remember to return the favor when your colleagues need your help in the future.
4. Develop a Relationship With Your Professor
Reach out to your professor at the beginning of the course. The first assignment in many online courses is a discussion thread where you introduce yourself to the class. I recommend that you send an email introducing yourself to the professor and sharing your vision for your future. Developing a relationship with your professor will not only help you succeed in the course, it can also expand your network and help you achieve your personal and professional goals post-graduation. Professors want you to succeed. Let them help you!
5. Build Connections With Your Classmates
As they say, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Develop a relationship with at least one or two of your classmates for a better program experience. For instance, if you're struggling to grasp a lesson the way it was presented in class, hearing your classmates’ different perspectives may help you think about concepts in a new way that’s more digestible. Plus, it can be way more fun to study for upcoming exams with good company.
Aside from helping each other ace your classes, the relationships you build with your classmates can also be powerful connections post-graduation.
6. Create Structure to Study and Complete Your Assignments
To succeed in an online master’s program, you’ll need a game plan. While the flexibility of online classes is great for balancing your education with your life, this less structured environment means you’ll need self-discipline to accomplish what’s expected of you.
First, block out time in your schedule to make studying and completing your assignments a priority. Then, decide how you’ll approach your coursework. For example, do you process and retain information best by:
- Summarizing your notes
- Making flashcards
- Taking practice tests
- Teaching someone else
- Or mind mapping?
If you’re not sure, feel free to try all of them to determine which method(s) work best for you.
7. Leverage the Resources Your University Offers
Completing an online master’s program will be challenging, but always remember that you’re not alone. Universities offer several student resources, such as assistance with writing papers, career coaching, exclusive job boards, and events like career and internship fairs, to help you succeed.
8. Recognize When You Need a Break
You can’t be fully present in class and ready to learn if you’re neglecting your well-being. Make sure you take care of yourself by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.
In addition, make sure you take regular breaks. Doing so will boost your focus, productivity, and ability to recall information. Here are different types of breaks to include in your schedule:
- Short Breaks (5-10 Minutes): Engage in a light activity, such as stretching, walking around, or listening to relaxing music.
- Longer Breaks (30-60 Minutes): Eat a balanced meal, socialize with a friend, read for leisure, etc.
- “Day Off” Breaks: Completely stepping away from schoolwork for a day or weekend can help you recharge and prevent burnout.
All in all, remember to make time for some fun to relieve the pressure and stress you might be feeling as you complete your master’s program. Lean on your support network when you need to in order to come back to class feeling refreshed and ready to go.
Further Your Education at Ashland University
If you’ve decided that a master’s program is right for you, we’d love to help you explore your options. Ashland’s competitively priced online graduate business programs are designed to meet you where you are—and help you get to where you want to go.
Our online MBA program is nationally ranked and can be completed in as little as one year. You can choose from 13 specializations, including Accounting, Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, and Sports Management.
We also offer an online Master of Science in Supply Chain Management for those interested in leveraging information technology to manage manufacturing, service production and delivery, and distribution and supply processes. Or, a Master of Science in Business Analytics for those who want to harness data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making.
Not sure if a master’s degree is right for you? Ashland also offers a range of online business certificates designed to provide a flexible, targeted, and cost-effective path to immediate career impact.
Wherever you are in your journey, we’re here to help:
