4 Ways to Combine Work and Studying a Masters Degree in 2024 - Mastersportal.com

4 Ways to Combine Work and Studying a Masters Degree in 2024

Whether you are considering work to cover your tuition fees while studying abroad or you are already working and looking for studies leading to a career change or promotion, combining work and Master’s studies is an important choice that will greatly influence your future.

Flexible graduate study options such as blended or distance learning, surely make things a lot easier if you want to work during your degree. Not to mention that there are some key benefits to doing both, of which we will only list:

  • Keeping your current job 
  • Developing a brand-new set of skills 
  • Fewer worries about tuition fees 
  • Gaining invaluable work experience 

It’s true that higher education studies and full-time work might seem challenging but there is a considerable number of options, which will greatly improve your chances of success.  

We’re here to make sure you find that mix that helps you make the most of the above advantages. Here are 4 essential tips and some extra to help you balance work and studies.

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1. Go for an online degree

Distance-learning options are very popular thanks to their flexibility. They are a great way to save time and money and keep in contact with students and teachers through online technologies. Some examples of universities that offer affordable online Masters are:

2. Try part-time work or part-time study

Taking some of the pressure off either from work or study can considerably improve your overall performance. As opposed to the work-study option, part-time work has no restrictions on salary or chosen job.

Evening or night-time studies are common options offered by most part-time study programmes. You can always choose both part-time work and part-time study to get the best of both worlds. Some universities that offer part-time studies are:

how to study and work

3. Apply to a work-study programme

This is a form of financial aid offered by some universities in addition to scholarships and grants. It is a way to help students cover part of their tuition fees by working on campus.

However, work-study jobs offer minimum wage and usually don’t fully cover tuition fees. An upside is that by working on campus, you can avoid long commutes and have more time to focus on your studies.

4. Consider taking internships 

Even though some internships might not offer a salary, they are an invaluable source of business experience and free training. A good internship is the promise of a job in a respectable company while leaving more time for your studies. If the internship is paid, even better. Learn how to write an internship resume that will make you stand out.

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Extra tips for your academic success

While the above steps are essential you’ll need a good plan to accompany them and make sure you make the most of your online education. So here are some toppings to complement your efforts of balancing a job and an online degree.

  • Get the class schedule as early as possible so you can plan ahead of time
  • Keep in contact with your classmates and find ”the inside man” to keep you updated
  • Inform your teachers and employer that you are a working student. They may be more flexible if they are aware of your situation
  • Save some time for relaxation and play
  • If you feel overwhelmed, seek alternative options. Some universities may let you switch from full-time study to part-time study, mid-study year

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