Starting a master's degree seems like a natural progression for most of us when we finish undergrad school or want to advance our careers. Some of us even see it as a right of passage. In truth, we should clearly consider our own motivations before entering such a rigorous program. There is nothing more defeating than starting something you later realize that you cannot finish or finish well for that matter. Graduate school can be likened to a hard fought race; It is not for the swift but those who can endure.
While we all want the status associated with a master's, I must say that there are quite a few things that I wish I knew before starting the program. In fact, nothing could have prepared for some of the unexpected challenges that I had to face. My aim is to help you better prepare by alerting you of some the very same issues that you might come across.
Time will be one of your biggest challenges. Just not having enough time in the day to complete your research and write a paper can be crushing. Next, being too tired to focus or even complete your work to the best of your abilities. Finally, just feeling overwhelmed because there is too much to do and you may not know where to start.
While there is a huge sense of accomplishments associated with completing a master's degree, there are ways to make the process less burdensome.
Create a masters plan. This simply means setting up a timeline for when you would like to complete the program, whether in 1 year, 2 or 3. Consider all of your other responsibilities and how they fit into this plan as well. Then decide on how many courses you would like to take each semester to fit in with that time frame. If you plan to finish in a year, a minimum of 2 courses per semester should be fine.
Make it easy on yourself. Read through each course description. Mismatch your courses depending on their level of difficulty or choose courses that are similar and do them together. Set aside time for your studies. For me, I always chose to do my Accounting courses with a heavy theory based course. This gives balance and allows you to be able to maximize your time without feeling drained by assignments and research. Start your assignments early to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Steady does it. Get your mind in the right place. Commit mentally to the program. Know that you are in this for the long haul and some days will be overwhelming. We all go through it. None of us are floating on cloud nine throughout our studies. There are moments of highs and lows and the occasional "I should have never started this program." Remind yourself of the end goal, that beacon at the end of the tunnel.
Create the right environment. I get it. This can be a tough one, especially when there are outside factors that you cannot control. In some cases it's money, work or family commitments. Not saying you need to lock yourself away but you do need to be strong enough to give up a few things that you know for sure will throw you off balance. It could be your phone or even people in your circle. Whatever it is, if it's stopping your progress you need to cut it lose. Ensure that you save up or seek funding and if you need to stop and work to save up then so be it, just factor that into your masters plan.
Breathe. It's a process. Another stage in your life that you must experience fully and wholly. Communicate with your peers and instructors. Learn and ensure that you grow from it, not just academically and professionally but socially. It is an experience that not everyone has the privilege to live. Revel in it and challenge yourself to grow emotionally. Learn to create harmony in difficult times and help others along the way.
Though I wish I knew how much time and commitment an MBA degree would require before starting the program, it was totally worth it. There is a lot of growth that can take place from immersing yourself in knowledge and new experiences. Just ensure that you take it in strides and remember why you started
Check out my other posts on time management and organizing your courses for a more successful outcome.
Comments