If you took some time off from school to work after getting your bachelor’s degree, returning to school for your graduate degree can bring about some new challenges. From effectively managing your time to staying motivated, there are several ways to smoothly navigate the transition back to school.
Rely on your skills
Though going back to school is a major change, remember that you already have the skills you need to succeed. Dr. Clyde Barnett III is a senior research associate with the Wayne State University College of Education in Detroit, Michigan and is the founder and executive director of Discover Without Barriers Consulting. “Draw from your experiences in the workforce to make sense of the ideas you discuss and study in your classes,” Barnett says. “Ask critical questions of your peers and professors.” The same skills that you use in the workplace can help you to engage and succeed in your degree program.
Manage your time
Barnett explains that your communication and ability to determine your capacity are essential in managing your time. He recommends keeping your family and employer updated on what’s going on with your graduate program. “Share information about when you’ll have more and less time available. “Allow the community that supports you in so that they understand what all you are managing and can assist in “lightening the load” when you need it,” he says.
Stay motivated
Balancing your education with other commitments can get tiring, so focus on ways to stay motivated. Christopher Rouhier, MS, is senior director of recruitment and admissions at the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business at Duquesne University. “While I think it’s important to stay focused on the end goal of earning a degree, students should take time to reflect on the skills they’ve learned throughout their program,” he explains. “Realizing how much you’ve already learned and accomplished is great motivation to stay focused.”
Take advantage of available resources
Ask about any available resources, and be sure to use those resources during your degree program. Rouhier states that academic advising is a crucial resource. “Our student success coaches are a student’s first point of contact and can connect students to resources across campus,” he explains. Additionally, he encourages students to take advantage of other resources, like library research tools, writing and reading services, and career development services. “Students may also find that counseling, campus ministry, university veterans’ centers, and fitness centers can enhance their well-being in graduate school,” he says.
Barnett highlights the fact that a graduate school can also potentially be a valuable resource for funding opportunities for networking and professional development. “Many graduate schools have (albeit small) research support funds to send students to seminars, conferences, or even study abroad programs related to their areas of study,” he says.
He recommends that students check with their institution’s graduate school program office to learn about available types of support. While you may be able to learn about available resources on the school’s website, you may learn about less commonly known resources if you go the extra step and have a conversation with staff.
Establish accountability
Barnett encourages students to form groups with classmates online. Meeting with these groups, setting dedicated times for studies, and spending time engaging with course materials can help keep students accountable during their degree program. “Track your progress against the goals you set for yourself and reflect on whether your efforts align with where you are trying to go,” he recommends. “If they do, keep going. If they don’t, determine why not, adjust accordingly, or set different goals.”
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