Can you actually hold a full-time job while taking an online degree program? Yes, you can! You’ll probably have to cut back on playing video games, watching silly YouTube videos, responding to unnecessary text messages and watching television. Don’t pout! You may actually enjoy spending time taking online classes. Online education programs allow students to attend classes at their convenience. People who can work independently with little assistance are best suited for online education programs. Acquiring more education can help you get a promotion.
Here are some helpful tips which will make it easier to hold a job while taking an online education program:
Set a schedule: Set aside a number of hours per week and try to be consistent with the time schedule. It’s easier to get the work done if you have to be studying at a specific time.
Family members: If you’re living with family members or roommates let them know they should not enter your room during your school hours unless it’s very important. Be firm about this. If your request is dripping with insincerity you will be continually interrupted.
Telephone: While taking online classes, let the answering machine/voicemail take the calls. You can do it!
Inform your employer: Let your boss know you’re taking an online education program. Some bosses will help you find a manageable workload and won’t ask you to work overtime. Also, many companies provide tuition reimbursement plans. (Sometimes it makes sense to keep your education pursuits a secret. Check back soon for more tips.)
Acquiring college credit: Some online schools provide college credit for relevant work experience or for attending relevant seminars and workshops. Some programs provide college credit for military experience. Some schools allow students to skip some classes by testing out. Acquiring college credits without taking classes allows students to graduate sooner.
Asynchronous programs: These programs allow students to attend online classes whenever they want and provide more flexibility than synchronous online programs which require students to take classes on a real-time schedule. The asynchronous online programs typically include a collection of assignments. Some of these programs require students to complete assignments in a specific time frame and include an online feedback system or forum which allows students to ask questions and interact with instructors and other students.
Lunchtime: If you have an hour lunch at work set aside 30 to 40 minutes for studying. Inform your co-workers of your plan so they will leave you alone during this time and stop entering your office looking for cheese puffs.
Know your limits: If working-full time and going to school seems daunting, it’s wise to begin with a light class load. In some online programs, students are allowed to take only one course at a time. If you initially take too many classes at one time you might get frustrated and quit school.
Student services: Night-time tutoring, 24/7 technical support, instructor virtual office hours and quick responses to email questions are some things to consider when selecting an online school. These services can save you time.
Accelerated programs: Many online schools offer accelerated programs which allow students to finish their programs months sooner than online college classes and courses.
This is a guest post from Brian Jenkins who writes about a number of education topics for BrainTrack.com, including online education.
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