How To Make Your School Selection Process

Tips for Balancing Full-Time Work and Part-Time MBA

One of the main benefits of a part-time MBA is the ability to continue working full-time. Still, balancing a full-time work schedule with school can be demanding.

Fortune recently spoke to experts on strategies for juggling priorities as a part-time MBA student and full-time professional.

OPTIMIZE YOUR TIME AND COMMITMENT

Experts say knowing how much you want to commit to your MBA studies in comparison to other aspects of your life can help you better optimize your time and commitments.

“Coursework and program commitments have forced me to optimize time in a way I never thought was possible,” Greg Morozzi, a student enrolled in Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper part-time flex MBA program, tells Fortune.

Inevitably, when balancing school and work, you’ll need to prioritize things in your life, even when you don’t want to.

“You must face and be prepared to accept inevitable trade-offs,” Zoltán Antal-Mokos, dean of degree programs at ESMT Berlin, tells Top MBA. “A walk with your partner on a Sunday afternoon versus polishing the presentation for the Monday morning regional sales meeting versus perfecting a course paper in hope of an even better grade – the choice is yours.”

At times, optimizing your time might actually mean slowing down to avoid burnout.

“I personally like to do a little work each day to manage my time as opposed to putting in several hours of work the day before class,” Erik Gaarder, who is enrolled in Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business working professional MBA, tells Fortune.

HAVE A SUPPORT NETWORK

Since your MBA program will likely take up a big chunk of your time, experts say it’s important to lean on your friends and family as support in times of need.

“Letting your family or support system know that you might not be available during certain terms is really important,” Christine Jan, a student in the Berkeley Haas evening & weekend MBA program, tells Fortune.

Sources: Fortune, Top MBA

 

 

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