The Master of Business Administration degree, commonly called an MBA, is one of the most valuable and rewarding advanced degree programs for working professionals. According to Statista, it’s also one of the most flexible and versatile graduate degree programs, as it’s widely recognized that it’s difficult for working professional MBA students to leave their positions and pursue a full-time, in-person degree. In fact, about 37 percent of all MBA students are trying to earn their MBA while working full time.

Knowing how to balance your professional and personal obligations along with your studies will allow you to successfully complete your MBA program and, ultimately, elevate your career.

Understanding the MBA Commitment

Before you begin your MBA while working, you will want to have a solid understanding of the commitment involved. Even if you opt for an online MBA degree program, you will find that you need to effectively prioritize and manage your time wisely in order to complete your coursework. Fortunately, online MBA degree programs are far more flexible than full-time, in-person programs, making them the preferred choice among working professional MBA students.

Time and Workload Expectations

The amount of time that it takes you to complete your MBA degree will vary based on the type of program that you enroll in. A traditional, full-time MBA degree will take you about two years to complete per Coursera, and when you opt for an online MBA degree program, you can complete many of the requirements on your own terms. With an accelerated MBA degree, you may be able to graduate within a year.

Setting Realistic Goals for Career Advancement

Knowing what your MBA can and cannot do for you will help you determine if it’s a worthwhile investment of your time and resources. Several business professionals pursue an MBA degree to pursue advanced positions in their industry, or to specialize in a particular area. Indeed states earning an MBA may help increase your earning potential, but the amount that your salary increases may depend on the specialization that you choose.

MBA Time Management Techniques

Pursuing an MBA while working does require a delicate balance on your part, even if you choose an online MBA degree. These time management techniques can help you achieve a greater sense of work-life balance as you work toward completing your degree.

Creating a Schedule

Creating a daily or weekly schedule can help you visualize your availability and set aside specific time for studying. For example, a working professional who is in the office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. may not have time to complete coursework or study during the day, but they might block out an hour from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Creating a schedule in advance can help you stay organized and focused on both your short-term and long-term goals.

Prioritizing Tasks and Deadlines

As you make a schedule each week, you will want to take note of any upcoming deadlines for your MBA courses and prioritize tasks accordingly. Noting high-priority items both in your job and in your MBA studies will allow you to accomplish the most pressing tasks first.

Incorporating Buffer Time

When building a schedule, it’s important to remember that not everything goes according to plan. Building buffer time into your schedule will help you stay on task and on time without adding stress if something takes longer than you expected.

Leveraging Technology for Efficiency

The digital age has opened new possibilities for professionals who want to earn an MBA degree. Not only can you complete your coursework online at a time and place convenient for you, but you can also leverage technology and digital resources to improve your productivity.

Utilizing Productivity Apps and Tools

There are several productivity apps and tools on the market that can help you be more productive and efficient while earning your MBA degree. The following indicates some of the best productivity apps for those earning an MBA while working full time:

  • Doodle — A group meeting scheduling app perfect for professionals collaborating with online coursework.
  • Notion — A notetaking and project management app that helps you prioritize tasks.
  • Shift — A centralized workstation app that keeps all your MBA coursework and deadlines in one convenient space.

Online Resources for MBA Students

In addition, LinkedIn notes that MBA students also working full-time may benefit from these online resources:

  • MBA Essay Samples
  • Online Academic Writing Guides
  • Social Media Groups
  • Educational YouTube Channels

Effective Study Habits for Busy Professionals

Whether you are working full-time in the finance industry or are an up-and-coming marketing strategist, you may already feel like your plate is full. These effective study habits can help you balance your MBA studies along with your existing professional responsibilities.

Developing a Consistent Study Routine

Consistency is key when you are balancing your MBA program requirements alongside your full-time job. Choosing a time and place to study that works well for you, and sticking to a regular schedule, will allow you to study more effectively and efficiently.

Maximizing Productivity

When you allocate specific time for studying, and you prioritize your tasks, you can maximize your productivity during that time. Using reliable time management strategies can help you increase productivity, leaving you more time for yourself at the end of the day.

Strategies for Retaining Information

Sitting down to read your textbook or study your notes is one thing, but sometimes retaining that information is an entirely different battle. These are some tried and true strategies that will help you retain information better:

  • Avoid multitasking while studying and focus on the task at hand.
  • Adjust your studying techniques to cater to your learning style. For example, if you are an auditory learner, listen to your notes rather than reading them silently.
  • Share what you have learned with a classmate. Discussing your newfound knowledge will help you better recall information in the future.

Communication and Networking for MBA Students

Although the advanced business topics covered as part of the MBA curriculum are critical to advancing your career, the networking opportunities that exist within this program are equally beneficial.

You can effectively network within your MBA program and get additional support by:

Engaging With MBA Cohorts for Support

Within your coursework, you will likely have the opportunity to complete small group assignments and collaborative projects. By working with your peers, you can develop a social network within the program that can provide you with emotional and academic support.

Navigating Work Expectations With Employers

Be open and honest with your employer about the fact that you are pursuing your MBA. Not only are you bolstering your own credentials, but you also are going to add value to their organization. Work with them to best understand their expectations and develop a plan that supports your professional and academic goals.

Seeking Support From Colleagues and Supervisors

If you are struggling with your studies and assignments, you may be able to get additional support from your professional colleagues and supervisors. They may be able to lighten your workload temporarily as you get back on track.

Health and Well-Being Tips

Pursuing an MBA while working full time is not without its challenges, and it can certainly be emotionally draining. It’s important that you prioritize your mental health and give yourself grace if you feel that you are struggling working full time and going to business school.

Importance of Mental Well-Being During MBA Studies

Your mental and emotional health will have a significant impact on your success during your MBA studies. If you are feeling burnt out or depressed, you are less likely to effectively balance your coursework and your professional responsibilities, which may only exacerbate feelings of frustration or isolation. By taking the steps necessary to protect your mental health, you will be able to better navigate this busy time in your life.

Stress Management Techniques

These are some of the best stress management techniques for MBA students also working full time:

  • Set realistic goals. Identify the tasks that you can complete each day or within a week-long period and focus on those short-term goals.
  • Develop a support system. Your network of support might include friends and colleagues, or classmates and supervisors. When you have people who will support you, help you and listen to you, you will be able to achieve that coveted sense of work-life balance.
  • Stay active. By prioritizing your physical health, you will feel better mentally and emotionally.
  • Take breaks. You may be incredibly busy balancing your studies along with your work, but you should still make time to do the things that you truly enjoy.

Incorporating Exercise and Healthy Habits

As you are creating your schedule for the week or the month, be sure to block out time for exercise. Staying active will help you feel better both physically and emotionally, which will allow you to focus better as you are studying. Enjoying a well-balanced diet and regular exercise should be a priority during this phase of your career.

Financial Planning for MBA Studies

Not only does your MBA program require a time commitment but it also requires a financial investment. Being aware of the costs — as well as the financial aid opportunities — will help you prepare accordingly.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

You may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships that can help off-set the cost of your MBA program. Many MBA students apply for federal student aid, but others may be eligible for need-based or merit-based scholarships. A few scholarships available for MBA students include:

Budgeting for Educational Expenses

Online MBA degree programs are typically more affordable than their in-person counterparts. Some of the expenses that you may have to budget for include:

  • Tuition and Fees
  • Course Materials
  • Technology Expenses

Earn Your MBA While Working Full Time at Keiser University Graduate School

Earning your MBA while working is entirely possible when you enroll in one of the dynamic programs offered at Keiser University Graduate School. In addition to our online MBA degree, we also offer a variety of specialized MBA degree programs, including a Global MBA, MBA in Management and MBA in Technology. For those interested in expediting their studies, there is an accelerated MBA degree program available as well.

Request more information about MBA studies at Keiser University Graduate School today.