How to attend graduate school and hold down your job

July 17, 2012

In a professional environment where a bachelor's degree is ubiquitous, it's difficult to find a way to keep yourself a cut above the rest. More often than not, as many students have discovered, the answer is to return to school for a master's degree. One or two extra years of classes and education can give you an advantage in almost any industry, but if you intend to maintain your job in the process of making that transition back to school you may find that the stress is a lot to bear.

If you're trying to hold down a great job while also pursuing graduate school, consider some of these tips for keeping your head above water, staying financially stable and succeeding both in the workplace and the classroom.

1. Check in with your employers to find out if you can get assistance with the cost of graduate courses. If you've shown devotion to a company, many employers will be willing to foot the bill for several credits. If they want you to advance within the corporation this is a great way to do it, so don't hesitate to bring it up with your boss.

2. Take online courses when available. Taking online courses from home is a great way to save on time and transportation costs. If you're driving for your commute, the ease and allure of online courses is sensible and a great way to go about securing your graduate degree.

3. Limit your number of classes per semester. Graduate school can be another full-time job in itself, so don't overextend yourself and jeopardize your current career in the process. Taking two or three courses maximum during a semester can help you keep your job's priorities in order, concentrate on your course load and still have just enough time to unwind and relax.

4. Secure scholarships to help you pay your way through school. While your employers may be willing to pay a portion of your school fees, you won't want to take out loans or go into debt if you can help it. Applying for scholarships is a simple and intelligent way to save money on education and keep yourself from financial frustrations.

Maintaining your career and pursuing a future with a graduate degree is possible. It may feel like treading water some days, but it won't be long before you're afloat and more successful than ever.

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