Many engineers nowadays aspire to go into grad school. However, attending grad school with a full-time job can be overwhelming. It’s no easy task to juggle classes, homework, finals, office deadlines, and client meetings–unless you’re Superman of course.
While we can’t assure you that balancing work and school will become easy, we can give you some tips to help you cope.
Be Prepared
When returning to school, the best thing you can do is research the programs and find one that suits your needs.
Check the school location, cost, and curriculum, and consider programs designed specifically for working professionals. These programs will likely offer a flexible schedule and class load that fits snuggly with your work schedule.
Once you have been accepted into a program, you will have to talk to your boss, especially if you think this will affect your work schedule, especially over time. Explain and emphasize how your newly acquired knowledge will help you be a better employee. Will your classes help you brush up on industry trends? Will it help improve your management skills?
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Research for Financial Options
Grad school isn’t cheap. The cost of tuition and other expenses can take a toll on your bank account. Instead of piling up your student loans, prepare for your expenses early on. See if your company has a tuition reimbursement program you could apply for. Get a side hustle to raise funds a few months before enrolling. Set aside a portion of your salary a few months before enrolling to help lower the cost of your schooling. Once you’ve done your research, if you decide your best option is taking on a student loan, look into refinancing options, such as Earnest refinance programs that will give you more control of your finances.
Strategy
Successful grad students don’t just work hard, they work smart too! You will soon have a research/ thesis project to complete as part of your class requirements. So why not try to tie this project to something you are already doing at work? For example, your project requires creating a good security system application in a company environment. You get to do your homework at your office since you are doing a project that will also benefit the company. It’s a win-win situation.
Don’t Forget Yourself
Never forget yourself. While all these tips can help reduce some of the stress of going to grad school and working a full-time job, it will still be very stressful. Make sure you get the rest you need during the weekends (if your classes aren’t scheduled on the weekends). Eat healthy and drink vitamin supplements to prevent colds and flu. Treat yourself once in a while.
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