From setting goals to leveraging AI tools, explore a student's top tips for juggling a master's and a career while staying motivated.
Victoria Emerson is a current student on the Hull Online MSc in AI. Here, she shares her top tips for studying a master's online while continuing with full-time work. Read on to find out more.
Taking on a master’s in AI while working full-time? Let’s say it’s like mastering the art of juggling cats, and I have six! It’s no small feat, but with some clever strategies, a lot of cups of tea (of coffee if that’s your bag), and a bit of wit, it’s more than possible to keep all the cats in the air.
Here’s what I’ve learned about making it work.
When you’re balancing work projects and deadlines with university assignments, it’s easy to feel like every task is a mountain. So, break it down. Define small, achievable goals for each day or week. The key here is flexibility.
Sometimes, work will demand extra hours; other times, your studies will call for that deep focus. Allow room for life to happen, knowing you can adapt without losing sight of the big picture.
I’ve learnt to not beat myself up if I don’t get it all done. I just move things around until it gets done, like calendar roulette.
Structure is a lifesaver, even if it’s a loose one. Find your golden study hours. Maybe it’s early mornings before work, or late nights. Personally, my hours are about 17:00-19:00 for doing coursework, but some people work better before the day really begins.
Just don’t stress if your routine isn’t perfect; some days you’ll be smashing it, others you’ll barely keep up. A flexible routine is often better than a rigid one that adds stress. The point is not to give up! That’s really the only target you should focus on.
Life will always get in the way, and trust me, there will be many moments of self-doubt, but just keep your mantra of 'don’t give up' or 'just do it'.
Embrace technology to keep you organised. I live by digital planners, time-blocking apps, and reminders. Tools like Google, Microsoft Calendar or Trello, can be game changers in keeping track of both work and studies.
I also like to mix in AI tools for studying. ChatGPT, for example, has become my virtual study buddy for complex concepts or when I need to brainstorm ideas. It’s like having a private teacher on hand 24/7!
One really cool hack my lecturer at the University of Hull taught me is to take your reading list and ask conversational AI to summarise chapters. You can use prompts like 'can you simplify or explain this chapter as if I was 12'. It does really help to break the wall of text down.
It’s easy to feel guilty when taking time off, but breaks are essential. A walk, a coffee with friends, or even just 10 minutes with a good book helps reset your brain and prevents burnout. Remember, you’re not a robot, and no one expects you to be!
Balancing work and study is tough, and it’s okay to take time to recharge. So, what I commit to is walking around the block everyday at lunchtime before I hurl the computer out the window, and I read garbage before bed. When I say garbage, I mean completely non-educational books for fun! The point is, try and explore books that take you away from everything else going on in your world.
Studying AI can be a bit of a solo journey, so find like-minded people who get it. Whether it’s classmates, workmates, or an online community, having people to share the ups and downs with makes it easier. They’ll understand the struggle of hitting deadlines, studying for exams, and will be there to remind you why you started in the first place.
But, and it’s a big but, it’s not a race, or a competition on who is ahead and who knows more! If people make you feel like you’re not keeping up, maybe stay away from them, as it won’t do you any good in the long run.
Finally, don’t wait for graduation to pat yourself on the back. Celebrate every assignment submitted, every work milestone hit, and every study session that actually made sense.
These small victories keep you motivated and remind you of how far you have come. I spoil myself with binge watching seasons on Netflix or an iced tea from Starbucks.
Balancing full-time work with a demanding course isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. You’ll come out the other side with new skills, resilience, and the confidence that you can tackle anything life throws your way (including any last-minute deadlines!).
So, if you’re considering studying while working, go for it. Embrace the chaos, keep learning, and remember, you’re building something amazing for yourself, one step at a time.
Interested in studying a part-time, online master's with the University of Hull?