Are you coping with working and studying for your Master’s in Education at the same? When you’re in the thick of your degree, most students are excited to just finish their degrees and get into their own classrooms. Studying while working isn’t for everyone, but it sure does have its benefits, and once you’ve got a good balance between everything, you’ll start to see all the benefits.
Furthering your education for your career is a great way to climb the ladder in the education sector, but when doing intensive courses it can become overwhelming when you’re juggling so many tasks. So, to help you better manage working while studying towards your degree, we’ve put together some practical tips.
1. Consider studying your master’s online
In general, studying towards your master’s degree can be extremely overwhelming. Add work, travel, family responsibilities and all the other little things that come with life, and it can make getting to a university campus virtually impossible. So why not study on a virtual platform?
2. Set a realistic study plan for yourself (and stick to it!)
Failing to plan typically translates to planning to fail. If you tackle your studies while working without mapping out how and when you’ll be able to fit your studies into your schedule, you may find yourself falling behind schedule and in some stressful situations. So, as you begin your courses, always take the time to plan out when your assessments, papers and exams are due so that you know well ahead of time how you can fit everything in.
3. Use your time well (don’t procrastinate!)
When you’re working and studying for your Master’s in Education, it can feel like there’s not enough time in the day. Those days of binge-watching series while you were doing your undergraduate degree are gone because doing your Master’s degree is a whole other ball game. Yes, you need to set aside time to relax, exercise, and see family and friends, but don’t waste it.
Teachers who are studying towards their master’s in education have a bit of an advantage thanks to school holidays compared to other jobs. So, teacher, use those school breaks to get ahead in your studies, but remember to get some downtime, too.
4. Get accountable
When you have so much on your plate, like work and studies, it’s easy to drop a few balls if you’re not organised or things just become too busy. In most cases, your social life is generally what takes the biggest knock.
To avoid feeling like you’re letting down your friends and family, you need to be accountable to them. Let them know at the beginning of your degree or every semester that you need to devote a lot of your time to your studies. This may also help your loved ones understand why they won’t see you around as much, and it may even help them to be there for you when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
5. Don’t skip out on your lectures
Lectures are pivotal in helping you understand your subjects. So, even when you’re tired, avoid missing them if possible because then you’ll have to try and figure things out for yourself and play catch up. Your lecturers are there to help and guide you, so take notes diligently, and don’t be afraid to engage as much as possible.
6. Stick to a consistent routine
Having a consistent routine will help you stick to the schedule you’ve planned for your studies. You can do this by dedicating certain days to certain activities – like waking up early to go over your modules and using the weekend to spend time with friends or family. Try to keep your sleep schedule as consistent as possible, too.
7. Designate an area for your study times
Something that will really help you in your studies is removing distractions as much as possible—especially your phone.
One way you can stick to minimising distractions is by designating a part of your home to do your studies.
8. Put your theory into practice while teaching
This one is for those who are currently teaching while completing their master’s degree. As a teacher, you’ll know that we generally learn better when we put theory into practice. So, try and implement what you’re learning in your Master’s degree into practice in your classroom. By doing this, you’ll see the results of the concepts you’re learning and how well they work in a practical context. This will not only help you as a teacher but also prove invaluable as you do assignments and tests.
Final thoughts
Add a full-time job on top of your studies, and it becomes a whole new challenge. You’ll have those days when you’re feeling discouraged and overwhelmed and trust us, those days will come, but it’s important to keep your eyes on the prize and remember these helpful tips. They’ll help you build up the confidence, consistency and accountability you need to succeed as you work towards your Master’s in Education.