Returning to school while maintaining a full-time job can seem daunting, but the challenges are certainly manageable. As evidence, consider the many individuals who successfully navigate this path; one study indicates that 76% of graduate students work at least 30 hours per week, meaning that — with over 3 million U.S. students enrolled in graduate programs — millions manage to balance both studies and work commitments.
The University of Washington’s Master of Science in Information Management is designed to support both full-time and part-time study to make it easier to balance work, life and school. The UW MSIM program is offered either online or on-campus, with evening synchronous classes to support scheduling flexibility.
It’s understandable to worry about how you’ll manage all your responsibilities. With determination and a few smart strategies, you can achieve your educational goals while continuing your career. Continue reading for essential tips on how to balance work and your MSIM degree.
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Plan a Realistic Course Load That Fits Your Schedule
Graduate school is a significant undertaking, especially when added to personal and professional commitments. Your success in a master’s program depends on your ability to accurately assess your capacity and stay within it. If, like many graduate students, you plan to continue working full-time, do not expect to take a full-time course load. Plan a manageable program that enables you to fulfill all your responsibilities. You will improve your chances of success and your enjoyment of the program (and your life).
To support working professionals, the UW MSIM program offers flexible, customizable options. All Mid-Career MSIM students and those choosing to pursue their studies fully online are able to enroll part-time (residential students in the Early-Career and Early-Career Accelerated tracks are encouraged to enroll full-time). Many residential classes are offered in the evening or on weekends, and online students enjoy the additional convenience of remote learning, eliminating the need to travel to and from campus for class.
Set Boundaries and Communicate Your Need for Space
Establishing boundaries is essential for effectively balancing work, academic and personal commitments. These boundaries can involve both time and physical space. If possible, designate a specific study area in your home, such as a separate room or a spot like the kitchen table. Additionally, set aside dedicated hours each day for studying to help you maintain focus and stay on track.
Speak to those you live with to explain your boundaries and ask for their support in enforcing them. For example, you could ask for no interruptions between certain hours or while your office door remains closed. The prevalence of remote work in the modern professional world has made this type of boundary setting much more common, making it easier to implement.
You will also need to set boundaries with your fellow students. Let them know when you are, and are not, available for group projects, study groups, and discussions, and where/when you might have more flexibility. Graduate studies like the UW MSIM program that require significant group work might require additional negotiation around expectations to ensure all team members’ needs can be accommodated. You want to honor all your commitments: to your job, your family, and your friends as well as your degree studies and peers. Establishing and honoring limits will help you do that.
Organize Your Time and Materials
When juggling multiple responsibilities, staying organized is vital to success. To manage your time effectively and stay on top of all your commitments, use a daily, weekly or monthly calendar (digital or physical — whichever works best for you) to document:
- All your time-based commitments, including live classes, working hours and family dinners
- Any assignment deadlines and tests
- Course readings
- Group projects
- Office hours or tutoring hours
Time management is critical to success in any graduate program. Graduate-level workloads are challenging but manageable, provided you create and stick to a realistic plan.
It’s also important to organize your physical and digital study materials. Here’s how:
- Create a digital filing system to organize your course materials and notes by class or topic.
- Use a consistent naming structure for all documents.
- Regularly delete outdated or unnecessary files to keep your study space clutter-free.
- Use note-taking apps like OneNote, Obsidian or Evernote to organize your digital notes. If you prefer physical notes, use notebook dividers and color-coded labels, or file your notes in the relevant binder folder.
Identify (and Lean On) Your Support Network
A strong support network can promote your success by providing encouragement, guidance and assistance when challenges arise. Take a moment to think about who you can rely on for support — someone who will share advice, listen when you need to talk, or help you with tasks like grocery shopping or babysitting when you need extra study time.
Find an Accountability Partner
Many students find it helpful to identify an accountability partner, someone to monitor your progress and help you stay motivated. This person doesn’t have to be part of your inner circle of support. A colleague or fellow student can serve as your accountability partner, offering valuable feedback and helping you stay on track with your studies.
Prioritize Yourself with Self-Care
Self-care is critical to balancing work, school and life. Prioritizing self-care helps improve concentration, boost energy levels and enhance resilience, enabling students to perform academically and professionally while maintaining a healthy life balance.
Try these self-care measures to help you recharge:
- Get enough sleep: Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep each night to restore energy and improve focus.
- Take regular breaks: Set a timer to remind yourself to take regular, short breaks.
- Exercise: Workouts, stretching or long walks can help boost your energy and reduce stress.
- Eat well and stay hydrated: Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables and drink enough water to keep your body functioning optimally.
- Take a day off: Take an occasional day off from work and school to spend time with your loved ones and enjoy yourself.
Explore Your Workplace Benefits and Perks
Students balancing work and school should explore the benefits their employer offers. Many workplaces provide relevant resources, including access to such onsite amenities as quiet meeting rooms. These spaces offer the ideal setting for focused study sessions between work hours. Also, find out whether your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which typically offers counseling services and resources to help employees manage stress and maintain mental well-being.
Check whether your employer offers flexible scheduling to help you better manage your work and study commitments. Even if it’s not advertised, employers may allow you to modify work hours, so don’t hesitate to inquire. It is not recommended to study full time while also working full time, so plan ahead with your employer and academic advisor to ensure you get the most out of your degree.
Finally, and most importantly, don’t forget to ask your employer whether you qualify for tuition reimbursement — almost half of U.S. employers offer tuition assistance benefits.
Student Support: Access Resources When You Need Them
As a UW MSIM student, you can access various support services, including academic advising, student success coaches and career advice. The university encourages students to ask for help; don’t hesitate to reach out if you need advice. All UW students, both online and residential, receive access to campus resources, including mental health support.
Next Steps: Apply To the MSIM Program at the University of WashingtonÂ
Pursuing an MSIM degree while continuing to work constitutes a wise investment in your future. It showcases your dedication and ambition to grow professionally and academically. While the prospect might seem daunting at first, with the right tools and strategies you can successfully balance your work, school and life commitments. You’ll graduate with a holistic knowledge of systematic problem-solving, data-driven strategic planning, ethics and social responsibility, arming you with the tools to succeed in the modern professional world.
At the UW, you will receive support throughout the program to help you reach your academic objectives while maintaining your career and meeting family needs. Connect with an advisor to learn more about the UW MSIM program. Or start your application now if you are ready.