Through the #DILO series of blog posts we have been bringing you insights into the life of our master’s students, sharing their thoughts and opinions, ups and downs, and key learning points during their online studies. The whole idea behind this series is to make you aware of realities of online studies, and help you in decision making.
This week we take a look at a day in the life of one of our MBA students, a pilot by profession and the one who addresses himself as a ‘transformation agent’. Let’s hear his experience studying for Master’s of Business Administration:
An Introduction
Which Uni are you studying with?
York St John University (UK)
I chose the MBA in Leading innovation and change offered in exclusive partnership with York St John University
Which programme did you choose and why?
I chose the MBA in Leading innovation and change : change is constant and without innovation, one can be knocked out or overran by change!
The Study Plan
How did you plan to study each module, and what was the reality? How many hours did/do you have to put in each day/or in a week?
To be honest, it was like an adhoc system in the beginning..
Moreover, change of company, country and crazy flight schedules including night flights meant I had to search for what would work for me.
Prepare a study plan and pick a time of the day that works best for you
What part of the day did/do you find most suitable to study? (e.g. early mornings, lunch break, evenings, weekends?)
Given the unique work requirements, studying early mornings or late nights had been virtually impossible owing to early flights or night flights.
Then I discovered I could do study while in cruise!
Long flights with extended periods in cruise became an interesting option…
How much time did you devote for each assignment?
I usually could not set for myself a fixed time..often it was the fatigue levels from day and night flights that determined how productive I could be. It was chaos because I had flight exams at the new company that also had really demanding pass rates…(80%). Only the last of the four modules worked better after the work related chaos subsided.
Dr. Radu had a chat with me after failing the first module marginally. I had thought that balancing this chaos was stretching my capacities beyond the minimum required to pass. I had intended to put a stop to studies till a better time emerged. But, I am glad that I had the talk with Dr. Radu Negoescu…I kept going and never looked back.
Travelling and Communication
How did travelling impact your ability to study?
Travel brought more chaos into the works. I worked hard to bring order to it.
How were you able to interact with peers and/or professors given the time differences?
I communicated through WhatsApp! Fantastic…it can be lonely but when a group is available, fellow students share their challenges and give each other support.
A typical day as a master’s student
What does a typical day as an Online Masters’ student look like for you?
For a pilot, no day is typical. Cruising to different destinations means having to alternate study times when freshness is at its peak for maximum concentration. However during difficult times, I had to take a minimum an hour daily to either read or do a write up.
For the dissertation though, 100 words for 100 days was the least allowable minimums…instead of waiting until last days owing to the scope and research involved.
Any advice?
There is no fixed working system. Everything is relative to one thing: one’s level of discipline!
If you have been dreaming of joining a master’s programme or have had this personal goal to gain a higher education, now is the time! Take the valuable advice from our current students, gain from their experience, add your own unique study strategies, and make your own success stories! I would love to feature you one day on our college blog.
Chat LIVE on WhatsApp with one of our Education Advisors for more information on all the programmes we offer, application process, and for information on discounts we might be offering at this time.
The vast majority (if not all) of our students are working and leading remarkably busy professional lives. Some are motivated and have already decided to undertake a master’s, while others contemplate the unknowns of an online programme. In my experience, two things affect their decision the most.
First – finances, and second, being able to strike the perfect work, study, and life balance. While I cannot completely help you with the finances (partially yes – check out the discount offers currently being offered on our online MBA, MSc, and LL.M programmes), I thought what I could do to help was to bring some facts to light about the other unknowns – what does a typical day in the life of an online master’s student look like?
I asked a few of our students from different walks of life, occupations, and personal situations to answer a few questions on their study tactics and strategies, plans and reality, and so on. I thank each one of the respondents for taking the time to share their experiences and give valuable advice to you – possibly future students. In our ‘a typical day in the life of a master’s student’ blog series, we bring to you one of our real students or alumni sharing the insights.
Today, we’re looking at one of our students journey, a busy professional being a CEO of an International NGO, who got only busier during and after Covid.
An Introduction
Which programme did you choose and why?
MBA Leading Innovation and Change, because the “Aid industry” needs to innovate and change and I needed to learn so I could play a small part in that.
The Study Plan
How did you plan to study each module, and what was the reality? How many hours did/do you have to put in each day/or in a week?
Given my intense work schedule I chose to do the program over two years committing to 25 hours per week of study during the time actively enrolled in a module plus pre-reading between modules. It all went well for the first module and then I had to take a few years off due to a serious medical situation.
Since restarting It will took me two years to complete the remaining 3 modules and the dissertation. Time commitment on modules 25 hours per week average was close, albeit closer to 40 hours a week closer to deadlines.
What part of the day did/do you find most suitable to study? (e.g. early mornings, lunch break, evenings, weekends?)
Well, for me it was evenings and weekend, sometimes late evenings as late as 3am. I eventually understood that the studies cannot be done effectively in an hour or two at a time. It definitely needed longer periods of intense study.
How much time did you devote for each assignment?
I took the 300 hours recommended very seriously in my planning (25 jours per week per module) In the end, I probably averaged 350-400 per module. There is so much reading to do and lots of great rabbit holes 🙂
Immensely! My job involves me being all over the world 6 months out of 12 and this heavily impacted one module. I planned the best I could, but it was a huge challenge and in the end I had to get board permission to back off on some work commitments to ensure I succeed in my studies. Fortunately, my board is very understanding, I don’t think everyone would have that privilege. In the end, Covid slowed travel, but at the same time increased my workload very heavily.
How were you able to interact with peers and/or professors given the time differences?
I was so disappointed with the switch to an on-line residency because of Covid. Other than that, online interaction was fine and time differences were not a major issue for me.
A typical day as a master’s student
What does a typical day as an Online Masters’ student look like for you?
There was no typical day for me, intense travel schedules and work responsibilities made that extremely difficult. Some weeks I could not get more than a few hours and in other weeks I studied 60 to 70 hours.
Any advice?
Any advice you have for students to better plan their studies.
Do not undertake this lightly. Be realistic in your planning, consider your work loads and travel schedules and make sure you build a realistic study plan around them. It takes huge discipline, you have to make it a priority and in doing so consider your family situation too. I am thankful that my wife understands how important this is to me and continues to support me throughout.
All right folks, this was a sneak peek of a typical day as a master’s student. I hope you find it insightful and informative and that it gives you an idea of what to expect when you enrol for our master’s programmes. Watch this space as we have many more interesting insights coming up!
Here’s presenting another gem of our #dilo -a day in the life of RKC student series. We asked some of our past and current students to share their thoughts and opinions and give feedback on how they handled the challenges of online learning.
There is no better way to learn from those who came before and see if what worked for them will help you become a better student! Hopefully, this will help you to make an informed decision.
An Introduction
Who are you, really?
I am an entrepreneur in charge of a couple of SMEs in the Caribbean. I had to delay embarking on the ‘MBA journey’ as for many years I would work up to 16 hours/day. But alas, MBA was always one of by 2020 ‘Things to do’ so I embarked on the journey mainly because of this reason. A plan must be executed.
Which programme did you choose and why?
MBA Leadership & Sustainability.
The Study Plan
How did you plan to study each module, and what was the reality? How many hours did/do you have to put in each day/or in a week?
Prior to MBA, I read widely on many subject areas, so that helped me while studying. Unfortunately, notwithstanding all my good plans at the beginning of each module, most times I would get started late. In reality, I must run two companies first – then study. I try to put in 3 hours, 3 times per week. Sometimes I get in as much as a full day – usually because I was behind and had to catch up.
What part of the day did/do you find most suitable to study? (e.g. early mornings, lunch break, evenings, weekends?)
I study better at quiet times such as evenings and weekends would work best for me. This means I have to spend a lot of time planning ahead to reduce competing personal and business priorities. Most of the time when I settle down to study, I made sure I have little or no distractions.
How much time did you devote to each assignment?
Usually, I use less than the recommended time. If the recommended time for preparation is say, 2 weeks, I have to get it done in half the time. This means reading all the recommended material and external material. As I said, I really try to read widely.
Photo credit: Canva.com
Travelling and Communication
How did travelling impact your ability to study?
Little or none at all. Prior to MBA I advised my associates that I did not wish to travel much until MBA is completed and so far so good. I do not do a lot of local travelling.
How were you able to interact with peers and/or professors given the time differences?
For my business, I use a suitable app communicate with multiple people in different time zones. I simply added Zurich to the list. Not much trouble there and the time stamp on the study portal helps.
A typical day as a master’s student
What does a typical day as an Online Masters’ student look like for you?
A full day of work and then some studies. Some days I get in up to say 1 hour during the work day (his happens say once or twice weekly). During this time, I participate in the learning forum. The forum is a healthy place to learn other perspectives so I go back to read other students’ posts whenever I miss them. These are very important – similar to being in a physical class room.
At the end of the day, I try to put in more time before heading home, and if unsuccessful, try to make up before heading off to sleep.
Photo credit: Canva.com
Any advice?
Any advice you have for students to better plan their studies.
Yes. I do not think I am a poster student for giving advice to students on this topic as I am working daily to improve my own scheduling. I think my present mode is at about 70% and based on grades thus far it is clear to me that all I have to do is get some more time in. Students (and myself) could:
1. Schedule time away from work as is required. In the end, an MBA is an investment and ‘time’ is money.
2. If possible, have discourse (outside of the forum) with someone on the subject area – including via video conferencing. Great if its another student. This is also good for long-term collaboration and networking.
3. If you were pursuing MBA in a physical lecture setting, travel time, traffic and other factors would have ensured more time is spend pursuing MBA – even if some are wasted on transportation. So, while studying online result in less CO2, be careful it does not necessarily also result in less time studying.
Enjoy the benefits of this mode of study, but remember, its an investment of time and money and the returns can make a big difference in your life (and your family’s).
I hope this blog has answered some of your questions, and please watch this place for similar blogs. So, if you have been thinking about doing a master’s degree and now understand how to study better for an online programme, look at our programmes and see if anything interests you.
A bachelor’s programme is a stepping stone in the field of specialisation in which one wants to build their career. Bachelor’s degree is a degree awarded by a college or university in the subject of choice upon completion of undergraduate studies.
A bachelor’s degree enables you to gain advanced knowledge of the subject, learn new ideas, enhance employability skills, boost earning potential and provide networking opportunities. Obtaining a bachelor’s is usually the first step towards achieving a higher academic degree like a master’s or doctorate.
A bachelor’s degree is usually the first step towards achieving a higher academic degree
While a bachelor’s degree can be pursued soon after finishing high school, it has become increasingly common for people to undertake a programme later in life as well.
Traditionally one had to go to a university to study bachelor’s degree. But in the modern context, earning a bachelor’s degree online has become much easier.
RKC has pioneered business and legal education online for over 24 years, allowing thousands of professionals from every continent to achieve new heights in their lives and careers. Today you can benefit from our latest bachelor’s in business administration programmes.
Robert Kennedy College offers the following two bachelors programme in business administration:
Diploma in Business administration
BA (Hons) Business Administration
Diploma in Business Administration
The diploma programme offers fundamental knowledge and understanding of business administration and management. This programme is suitable for someone looking to advance their career in any industry, equipped with advanced business intellect to help improve businesses and their operations.
Five reasons to study Diploma in Business Administration:
The Diploma is delivered in partnership with the University of Cumbria, rated in the top 10 in the UK for developing business leaders and ranks 14th overall in the Top 50 universities for business.
The course can be studied entirely online to graduate in just nine months.
Enhance your employability with strong problem-solving aptitude, practical business knowledge and skills and applied leadership.
No traditional examination system, but one learns through real-life case studies, essays and assignments.
Gain entry to the next step in your career: study Bachelor’s BA (Hons) in Business Administration.
The course can be studied entirely online to graduate in just nine months
The programme consists of the following six Level 5 modules. Each module is worth 20 credits:
Organisational Behaviour
Services Marketing
Culture and International Business Systems
Corporate Social Responsibility in Practice
Global Economics
Operations Management
BA (Hons) in Business Administration
BA (Hons) in Business Administration is a bachelor’s degree programme offered by the University of Cumbria, UK, ranked 8th in the world (Times higher education impact rankings). The programme is provided exclusively to the RKC’s diploma graduates who have gained a solid foundational knowledge of business subjects.
University of Cumbria, UK
The programme is delivered online and can be completed in as little as 12 months.
The bachelor’s programme consists of four modules. The Level 6 modules total 120 credits, including a 40 credits independent business project:
Business Psychology (20 credits)
International Marketing (20 credits)
Global Business (20 credits)
International Human Resource Management (20 credits)
Business Independent Project (40 credits)
Upon successful completion, an internationally recognised British Honours degree is awarded by the University of Cumbria.
Upon successful completion, an internationally recognised British Honours degree is awarded by the University of Cumbria.
The bachelor’s programme serves as a solid base to launch and spearhead a career in business. Apply online today and become part of a professional network of business students. Chat live on WhatsApp with our education advisors to learn more about the admission procedure, eligibility requirements, fee structure, payment plan and upcoming intakes.
The first thing anyone interested in enrolling for higher education in a college or University does is to check its legitimacy. And no surprises here, this is one of the top questions our education advisors get asked all the time – Tell me more about the college and partnership with British universities.
So, here is everything you need to know about RKC!
Number one of Number one: Who are we? An Introduction
Robert Kennedy College is a private educational institution based in Zürich, Switzerland. The College is a pioneer in Swiss quality online education offering rigorous but flexible learning programmes, through enhanced state of the art online e-learning technology that has been developed in-house entirely.
Exclusive Partnerships
The Robert Kennedy College online master’s and bachelor’s programmes are offered in an exclusive partnership with the University of Cumbria, the University of Salford, and York St John University
Student focused teaching
RKC’s online learning community greatly values and invests in each of its student. Here you get an opportunity to be a part of a prestigious international community of over 5000 students from 130 different countries and some world-class faculty. Chat with our education advisor to get your customized study plan.
World-class faculty
As a student at RKC, you will learn from some of best professors in the education field.
RKC’s dean Dr. iur. David Costa is one of the founders of Robert Kennedy College. In his current capacity as Dean of Faculty, he oversees the faculty review process and several of the college’s academic programmes. He lectures at Robert Kennedy College in Contracts Law, Transnational Business Law, Investment Law and Money Management, and is a frequent guest on business TV channels such as CNBC Europe and Bloomberg Television.
Our instructors are graduates from some of the best universities worldwide. Other key faculty members are Prof. David Duffil, Dr. Radu Negoescu, Dr. Alistair Benson and, Emeritus Prof. Gabriel Jacobs.
Unique course plan with one-week residency
Our programmes combine best of both worlds by offering Swiss quality education online via OnlineCampus with one-week residencies. The one-week residency represents a unique opportunity for students to work in groups, focus on case studies and get a head start for their dissertation. Residency offers a great opportunity to interact with fellow students and professors and learn from professional experiences of students from all over the world. Chat with our education advisor to get your customized study plan.
Worldwide recognition
One of the best advantages of studying master’s at RKC is that at the end of the programme, an internationally recognised full-time British degree is awarded by the University.
The University of Cumbria, University of Salford and York St John University are fully recognised by the British Government and duly listed on the United Kingdom’s Department for Education list of recognised UK awarding institutions. You can verify their official University status directly at the UK Government Website.
Flexible payment plans
At RKC we understand the importance of work-study-life balance. This is why we offer flexible payment plan where you can pay fees in interest free instalments. Check out the sample payment plan here.
Continuing with our popular blog series that answers some of the questions we at Robert Kennedy College (RKC) get asked frequently by students looking to join one of our online programmes, we asked some of our past and current students to share their thoughts and opinions, to give their feedback on how they handled the challenges of online learning. Hopefully, this will help you to make an informed decision.
Let’s learn from those who came before and see if what worked for them will help you become a better student!
An Introduction
Photo credit: canva.com
Who are you, really?
My name is Naomi Osei-Asemani. Professionally I work as an educationist. I am a CEO of an international school in Ghana, West Africa (Peculiar International School). I have 140 staff working under me. Personally, I love kids and anything that has to do with them, especially their upbringing and education. My school has 1,400 students ranging from ages 1-19. I am very passionate about this job; thus, I sacrifice all my life and finances for it. I also love taking care of the youth and directing them, so they don’t derail from their missions in life. I, therefore, have about five (5) students I am taking care of/sponsoring at various universities in my country Ghana. I have also given scholarships to more than twenty (20) children to attend school (basic school), some of whom I feed as well. I also like taking care of old people, and in that area, I have four elderly people (two are 85 years old) I feed and ensure their safety.
Getting back into education
Photo credit: canva.com
Your story of getting back to do a Master’s degree
What was the driving force behind your enrolling for an online degree? Who inspired you? What motivated you?
In the first place, it has been my desire for a long time to become a PhD holder one day in my life. Secondly, the industry I am in is challenging; the mode of delivering education worldwide keeps changing, and therefore, I needed and still need to upgrade myself to meet global challenges. Finally, my school runs the Cambridge IGCSE and A Level, and there is, therefore, the need to recruit staff with high qualifications and those qualified to deliver the curriculum. I, therefore, need to highly educate myself so that I don’t fall short of the knowledge and skill required to direct the affairs of the staff. Self-motivation is a global challenge that comes with human resources.
What were the thoughts/situations/people/challenges holding you back from starting (if any)? How did you overcome them?
Family issues. How will I manage schooling with my tasking job? HOW DID I OVERCOME IT? I resorted to doing all my studies at night when all the family members and my staff had retired to their beds. I did this continuously for two years.
What surprised you the most when you started your studies?
I realized that I could work and attain a master’s degree using only the night to study. I thought I could do that because I worked so hard during the day and cared for my family after work. But I could pull through even though it was a bit tough.
Do you feel there are unique challenges women face when deciding to get back into education?
Yes, women face issues with their husbands, childcare and the fact that society generally doesn’t expect higher education from women. My friends think a bachelor’s degree should be enough since I own a business. To the society around me: “what else are you looking for in life”? Also, challenges with workplace issues, especially when women are working for other employers. The challenges are lack of funds to sponsor oneself to school, tight work schedules, and traffic to get back home.
Getting the degree
Graduation @YorkStJohn in the Quadrangle
The work to get the degree – what did you learn, how did you balance, what would you do differently
I needed to learn more about leadership because I needed to become a better leader than I was.
I was attracted to the innovation part because of the changing trends in education delivery and changes in technology.
Climate change is happening all around us.
I thought this course would help me acquire the requisite knowledge to combat these issues.
What is the single most important thing you learned during the programme?
One most important thing I learnt is that, culture is like an iceberg; what we see happening in the organization is just the tip of the iceberg. The bigger part of organizational culture is very much embedded in the attitudes and behaviours of people, and changing the culture is not as easy as we think.
Michael Watkins sees Culture as a form of protection that has evolved from situational pressures. With this, we know that culture evolves, so as the people grow in the organization, the culture also grows with them. I have therefore been deliberate with the kind of culture my organization is building because I have become aware of how difficult it is to change the culture we build.
How did you balance work and studies?
I work during the day and study during the night.
Any particular challenges to being a woman and studying online, or do you think all students face the same ones?
The challenge of having to balance my responsibilities as a wife, a mother, a career woman, a CEO and a philanthropist (well, I think some other women also go through the same). Also, I did not have any physical classmates to even talk to when I faced any challenge: this aspect was very challenging.
Life post degree
What changed, if anything?
What’s new in your life since graduating / starting your studies? Any visible impact already?
Having finished my studies, I have acquired new knowledge, skills and abilities to change what is not working in my workplace. To bring new innovations and deliberately introduce organizational activities that I know can become deeply embedded in our culture.
Anything you are doing differently now because of the things you learned?
I have introduced online studies for my students and parents, which has helped during the Covid-19 crisis. I have also been able to open another school which is totally different from the schools operating in the area, and even from the current one I am operating, it is an innovation. This school will open in three months’ time. It is a combination of the Montessori and Froebel systems of education. The packaging and delivery methods are different. I am also rolling out a new system where parents can call teachers to come to their homes to help their children.
Do you feel that getting a Master’s degree or doing other online programmes can reduce gender discrimination in the workplace?
Of course, yes. Having a Master’s degree has made me bolder and more knowledgeable. My appetite for research has also increased.
Advice for other women
Photo credit: canva.com
Or other students, really.
Imagine you could send a message back in time to your pre-degree self: what would it be?
Eiiii!! Naomi, everything is possible. Don’t think of your tight schedule in your office, the needs of your staff or the number of students under you. Don’t even think your husband or your three children would be hindrances. Remember, Naomi, that with God on your side and with determination and hard work, you can make it. Also, know that you can do everything through Christ who strengthens you, so go all out and venture into any area in life you want to.
Imagine you could send an object back in time to your pre-degree self: what would it be?
A picture to motivate me.
Closing thoughts
Anything else you would like to add that could help with the goal of increasing women’s participation/access to a Master’s degree?
I want all women to know that there is nothing impossible if you are determined to do it. In the face of all the challenges we see, we can still do whatever we want to do, be whatever we want to be and get wherever we want to get. Step out to take your Master’s degree, do the RKC online degree from your home, and remember to work more during the night when everyone is asleep. Listen, the sky is no longer the limit; the moon has now won the challenge. So aspire to be better. God bless you.
If you have been thinking about getting your master’s degree, and proving to yourself and others that you CAN do it, now would be a good time to take the plunge. Have a look at our list of programmes and see if we have anything that could help.
I hope this blog has answered some of your questions, and please watch this place for more similar blogs. You can also chat LIVE on WhatsApp with one of our Education Advisors for more information on all the programmes we offer, the application process, and the discounts we might offer.
Today’s job market is highly competitive and challenging. To prove your metal, one has to exhibit why you outshine in the crowd of thousands of job applicants. Higher education has increasingly become necessary for anyone seeking career advancement. And in today’s dynamic environment, just a bachelor’s degree may not suffice to get the top jobs. A master’s degree in your specialization will help expand your knowledge base and experience required to make your next career move or get the promotion.
Photo credit: Unsplash.com
The benefit of a master’s degree to you in 2023
Everyone has their reasons to pursue a master’s programme. Here are some popular ones:
1. Shield against recession and job cuts
Once you equip yourself with master’s degree knowledge and skills, you level yourself above the rest of the employees. The employer will choose the employees who are better qualified and experienced should the situation of job cuts arises. One can better their chances of sustaining their jobs and ensure job security by creating value for the company.
One can better their chances of sustaining their jobs and ensure job security by creating value for the company.
2. Building a vast professional network
While studying for a master’s, one of the benefits is that you get to interact with like-minded professionals. One gets to know people from different cultures, intellects, and business acumen from across the world. The connections you make are made from the standpoint of mutual learning and growth, which usually are impossible to make at the workplace due to competition and professional jealousy. These connections last forever.
3. Potential of earning a higher salary package
Depending on your field – a master’s degree usually means the potential of earning a higher compensation package. Being a master’s degree graduate, you can negotiate your pay package on your terms. Employers recognise the value you bring to the table and are willing to offer compensation dollars ($$) accordingly.
4. Better probability of promotions
Having a master’s degree betters your chances for that promotion at work by raising your bar to the top candidates running in the competition. So, if you are aware of any arising opportunity for promotions at your workplace in 2023, start your application for a master’s degree now.
5. Advanced knowledge
You maybe are the head of the department running the show for the company in sales, finance, supply chain, marketing, commercial law or artificial intelligence. One feels the need for new ideas to run a business efficiently and increase profitability by implementing new/better business processes. Beyond a point, one needs to learn management and leadership skills to be a better manager and effective leader. Such knowledge can be acquired by furthering your horizon with a master’s degree.
I can extend another reason for you to start a master’s programme in 2023 with the special fee promotion. You can now join a master’s programme with a deposit of just 500 CHF. Also, benefit from discounts up to 2,100 CHF. You can connect with our education advisors on WhatsApp for a live chat to learn about the application process for intakes starting in January 2023.
What is your reason for starting a master’s in 2023? Share in the comment section below, and get started with the next steps now!
As a former Education advisor, if I had to pick one of the most frequently asked questions by prospective students, it would be “How many hours do I need to study?”
The vast majority (if not all) of our students are working and leading hectic professional lives. Some are motivated and have already decided to undertake a master’s, while others contemplate the unknowns of an online programme. In my experience, two things affect their decision the most.
First – finances, and second, being able to strike the perfect work, study, and life balance. While I cannot completely help you with the finances (partially yes – check out the discount offers currently being offered on our online MBA, MSc, and LL.M programmes), I thought what I could do to help was to bring some facts to light about the other unknowns – what does a typical day in the life of an online master’s student look like?
Today, we’re looking at overview of one of RKC’s student typical day who is taking MBA Learsership and Management, offered in exclusive partnership with York St. John University.
An Introduction
Which programme did you choose and why?
I am studying MBA Leadership and Management. I chose it because I am a finance professional but work with the Operations unit which oversees the running of the office. And leadership and Management skills are required be able to manage people.
The Study Plan
How did you plan to study each module, and what was the reality? How many hours did/do you have to put in each day/or in a week?
The course is conducted online. I mostly study on weekends and sometimes week days in the office when everyone has left. I usually listen to lectures and make my own notes from them. In total, I put in more than 10 hours a week, as I also have to do research and listen to the videos over and over, alongwith reading relevant text books.
What part of the day did/do you find most suitable to study? (e.g. early mornings, lunch break, evenings, weekends?)
On weekends I would study early mornings and also late evenings. On weekdays, I preferred studying late evenings after work in the office when everyone would leave. I usually stay back for at least 2 hours.
In total, I put in more than 10 hours a week
How much time did you devote for each assignment?
Quite some time you need to do proper research and also understand your subject matter for you to be able to get a pass mark. So I had to drop out some social commitments and devote more time to my studies.
Travelling and Communication
Did you travel for work? How did travelling impact your ability to study?
I am studying online so travelling did not impact me.
How were you able to interact with peers and/or professors given the time differences?
There was a module that required a group interaction and my fellow students lived in two different time zones. But we were able to agree on a time that we could meet. Time differences did not affect my interaction with my professors as they always responded to me in time and they could be reached whenever need be.
A typical day as a master’s student
What does a typical day as an Online Masters’ student look like for you?
A typical day for me starts early at about 5:30am on weekends with me going to our OnlineCampus listening to videos and reading the online materials. On week days it also starts at 5:30am and getting ready for work. I usually work till 6:00pm and after I finish, would study for 2 hours, sometimes more in the office.
Any advice?
Any advice you have for students to better plan their studies.
The best advice I can give to students is
1. Find a time in the day for up to 2 hours that you can concentrate on just your studies
2. Reduce social activities especially if you are working and studying at the same time
3. Try to ask a lot of questions to your professor if you don’t understand the instructions given for an assignment. I had to retake a module because I misunderstood the instruction.
4. Find a fellow student within the course you are doing, with who you can discuss few topics for better understanding.
5. Learn to submit assignment 2-3 days before the deadline. You might get unexpected internet challenge uploading your assignment at the last minute and miss the deadline by few minutes which will make you get a capped mark.
Guochang used reading tools, as Acrobat for reading, Zotero for note…
All right, so this was a sneak peek of a typical day in life as a master’s student. I hope you find it insightful and informative and that it gives you an idea of what to expect when you enrol for our master’s programmes. Watch this space as we have many more interesting insights always!
Sometimes we do not know what we want in life. How do we change our plans into actions to develop our careers? When is the best time to enrol for a master’s programme?
As it is said, opportunity knocks only once. And when opportunity knocks on your door, always be willing to take a chance. You never know how perfect something could be or when the next opportunity will arise.
Sometimes instead of waiting, you have to create the right opportunity for yourself. One should look for the universe’s signs pointing to any arising opportunities.
One such opportunity is receiving higher education. Studying for a master’s can be a life-changing event and sometimes even the best decision one can make. While it may sound great and exciting, studying for a master’s requires a unique kind of resilience, commitment, dedication, and drive to complete the programme. Time-sensitive assignments, group discussions, researching, dissertation submission – your strengths will be tested on many levels.
Photo credit: Pexels.com
Whether a fresh undergrad or a seasoned professional, the decision to start a master’s is always excruciating. But here are five signs that you are ready to take the leap:
Stagnation in current career/job role
Working in the same role and doing the same job every day becomes mundane. Self-motivated people feel less challenged at work, and their level of job satisfaction declines drastically. Studying for a master’s brings new focus and challenge to an otherwise dull routine.
You have clear goals
You always wanted to obtain a prestigious master’s degree and add another feather to your hat. Some people plan and define their career path in an early stage of their life, knowing exactly when they will start working, when they will study for their master’s, get married and even when they will have a baby.
You are ready and keen for the academic challenge
Despite busy work and home schedules, you are an avid reader and keep yourself abreast of the latest happenings worldwide. You have been actively researching the field you want to study for your master’s, reading textbooks, and reaching out to current students and alums to understand the academic challenge a master’s programme poses.
You want to network with like-minded people
One of the benefits that most master’s students look forward to is growing their professional network. Students from all over the world, with varying professional experiences, from different cultures come together to study for a master’s degree. Peer relationships formed during the master’s programme over group discussions, or forum chats, usually last a lifetime! This brings an opportunity to create a truly enriching academic experience.
You are ready for the time investment
Sometimes people keep the idea of studying for a master’s at bay simply because of time constraints. Job, family, and social commitment abstain you from committing yourself to the study environment. When you are focused on developing yourself academically and have set aside time, it is the right time to enrol for a master’s programme.
So, in summary, a desire to learn more, earn more and advance more could be your sign to enrol for a master’s programme today.
If you feel this is the right time for you to do a master’s degree, then look at our list of 100% online master’s degree programmes and see if we have anything you are interested in doing.
You can also chat LIVE on WhatsApp with one of our Education Advisors for more information on the programme that is right for you, the application process, and details on discounts we might be offering at this time.
In one of our most popular blog series featuring our female students, we asked our students to share their experiences with us – the challenges of getting back to school, managing work and study along with family, and the unique challenges they faced being female students.
Darija is a graduate of our MA programme in Leading Innovation and Change (MALIC) through our exclusive partnership with York St John University, UK. This programme has been discontinued and reincarnated as a 100% online MBA programme in Leading Innovation and Change.
“The MALIC program was the enabler to put all the puzzle pieces together that I had acquired in my working life. It made all things very logical and made me understand all the interactions even better.
I enjoyed the learning journey a lot! Since it is an online course, I really liked the freedom to learn in my pace and time.
The residency week was just great! Not only the learning but the people made it very special! It was wonderful to meet new friends from all over the world.
I cannot imagine any program to be more international than MALIC is! This aspect brings in fantastic personalities and perspectives.
Thank you to all who made this learning such a fun journey!”
Darija Barrech, Managing Director – Culcha gmbh, Zurich, Switzerland and an alumnus of Robert Kennedy College
Darija Barrech, Managing Director – Culcha gmbh, Zurich, Switzerland and an alumnus of Robert Kennedy College
An Introduction
Who are you, really (How do you define yourself? Professionally, personally?)?
My home is where my heart is. That describes me quite well. I am 1 of 4 children of my Croatian mother and my Pakistani father. I was born in Germany and grew up in Pakistan. At 15, I returned to Germany for further education. So maybe now you know why I ended up in HR :). I love people, I breathe change, I innovate, and I am culture… After heading HR for a multinational medical device company, I wanted to give some “fresh air” to my brain. I had been looking for a program for over a year. After completing MALIC, I founded my own company (www.culcha.world), where I consult organisations in the area of organisational culture, leadership and change. Since August 2017, I have been a mom of our daughter Aviva which is another BIG learning and blessing in life. For almost 10 years, my husband and I have been living in Switzerland – which is a lovely and beautiful country.
Getting back to education
Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash.
Your story of getting back to do a Master’s degree
What was the driving force behind your enrolling for an online degree? Who inspired you? What motivated you?
After heading HR for a multinational medical device company, I wanted to give some “fresh air” to my brain. I had been looking for a program for over a year. My husband, who saw an advertisement for the MALIC program in an aeroplane magazine, made me aware of it. The program was THE PERFECT FIT for me. It was blended, and the topics were spot on.
What were the thoughts/situations/people/challenges holding you back from starting (if any)? How did you overcome them?
Nothing.
What surprised you the most when you started your studies?
One thing I had never anticipated or thought of while looking for a good program was the mix of students. We were around 40 students in my cohort and “only” 4 where from Europe – the others coming from all over the world! I really made friends for life!
Do you feel there are unique challenges women face when deciding to get back into education?
When I started MALIC, I was without children but in a challenging job. From today´s perspective, I can imagine starting a program like MALIC could be very challenging in terms of time capacity (if you have children). Of course, like everything in life, it’s a question of priorities. Another thought might be in the direction of other national/geographical cultures… I could imagine that women in certain geographies might have the wish to conduct such a program but do not have the financial or family backing to do so.
Getting the degree
Photo by Mohammad Shahhosseini on Unsplash.
The work to get the degree – what did you learn, how did you balance, what would you do differently
Which programme did you do? Why?
MALIC, the program was THE PERFECT FIT for me. It was blended and the topics where spot on. I liked the focus on change, leadership, culture, strategy and innovation.
What is the single most important thing you learned during the programme?
That I can learn everything, I want!
How did you balance work and studies?
Discipline and backing from my husband.
Any particular challenges to being a woman and studying online, or do you think all students face the same ones?
I do not see any particular challenges women face other than in time and/or culture/geography.
Life post-degree
Photo by Christopher Gower on Unsplash.
What changed, if anything?
What’s new in your life since graduating/starting your studies? Any visible impact already?
I feel very sure and am very curious about the topics. I still keep learning.
Anything you are doing differently now because of the things you learned?
My way of learning has changed. I have been more academic-driven since MALIC. I more often consult studies when evaluating a topic.
Do you feel that getting a Master’s degree or doing other online programmes can reduce gender discrimination in the workplace?
I don’t think it can.
Advice for other women
Or other students, really.
Imagine you could send a message back in time to your pre-degree self: what would it be?
Why didn’t I do it earlier?!
Imagine you could send an object back in time to your pre-degree self: what would it be?
My MALIC Degree 🙂
Closing thoughts
Anything else you would like to add that could help with the goal of increasing women’s participation/access to a Master’s degree?
Completing MALIC was not only fun and smooth due to the topics, but it just gave me so many AHA moments and it clicked so many things I knew from practical work. It was THE BEST thing to do for me! Of course it is not easy doing such a program next to full time work, family, kids,…. BUT it is worth every minute spend. Professionally I grew by doing MALIC. I founded my own company (www.culcha.world) where I consult organisations in the areas of culture, leadership and change. While being on the residency week in York, we had the opportunity to see the graduates (a year above us). This picture was THE motivator for me to continue and keep on learning when times got tougher.
If this blog has motivated you to challenge yourself and do a master’s degree, then have a look at our list of programmes and see if we have anything you are interested in doing.
You can also chat LIVE on WhatsApp with one of our Education Advisors for more information on the programme that is right for you, the application process, and details on discounts we might be offering at this time.
