Part-time MBA advice

Talk to current MBA students about life in MBA programs (not for app advice/discussion)
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Part-time MBA advice

by bboy27 » Thu Jan 12, 2017 9:47 am
This semester will be my first MBA course. I work full-time 9 to 5; however will be starting off with only 1 course every 8 weeks ( 2 course for the semester). I have a family (4 young children).

As I go forward in the year, I will work my way to becoming a full time student.

Can anyone give me any tips on how they balanced work/school/family life?

How many hours on average you spend studying?

How to keep your family involved and not let your work productivity slip?

Luckily for me I work at the school I attend! University of Houston-Downtown

I start next week and found myself feeling overwhelmed

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by Knitgeek » Thu Jan 12, 2017 3:14 pm
I'm about a week in to my part time program and I have to say the pace is intense. My program is 3 classes a term: generally two spread out over the semester (one night a week for class for each) and a short intensive class (which we are starting off with).

Part of our prep included a really helpful exercise. We were asked to create a spreadsheet that accounted for our time prior to the program. We were then asked to repeat the exercise and add in approx. 24 hrs a week for school. It was really eye opening for where my time was being spent and super helpful in prioritizing how I wanted to schedule time over the course of the program.

I have a toddler at home and work approx. 45hrs a week so finding the time to add in studying wasn't an easy thing even in the theoretical. My husband has taken on most of the domestic tasks and I've been using my lunch break and sticking around work for an extra half hour to get reading and homework done. I also take transit to class, it gives me extra reading time or if I need it a bit of a meditative break.

For my family we have made sure to schedule time together. It seems a bit lame I know but it makes sure that I have time set aside for them. I'm also really focusing on being present with my family when we have time together. I try very hard not be thinking about other things and just enjoy the time together.

Work wise I'm luck that I have a very motivated and supportive team that work with so I've been able to delegate some of my work and in general I have made sure that I'm working as efficiently as I can. It's been an exercise in letting go of some things but it's worth it. It also has extra benefit of helping to develop my staff which is always a good thing.