"If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves," Thomas A. Edison once remarked, a sentiment I find resonates profoundly with TESU’s graduate students.
The pursuit of advanced degrees has evolved into a complex journey, demanding extraordinary resilience from those who undertake it. Graduate students navigate a labyrinth of competing priorities, balancing full-time careers and family responsibilities with rigorous academic schedules. Sure, this high-wire act of time management and intellectual rigor may not be for the faint of heart. Yet, for many, the rewards justify the effort. Beyond the promise of career advancement, graduate programs offer a transformative experience, enhancing critical thinking skills, expanding professional networks, and deepening understanding of chosen fields. As you begin your graduate degree journey, here are five essential tips that will help you to harness your full potential and truly astound yourself.
1. Manage your time.
You’ve probably heard some variation of the phrase “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” The same can be true of graduate school. Most adult graduate students are juggling a wide range of responsibilities that may include work, military service and family. Time is one of the most valuable commodities you have, and you need to use it effectively. It is important to create a schedule that dedicates time to study and completing your course work. Use your course calendar and follow the weekly schedule to ensure you submit your assignments on time and actively participate in discussion boards.
Your loved ones will also be on this journey with you, whether by choice or circumstance, and will need to understand the time commitment required to support the process successfully. You should also plan time for self-care. Life happens, but beginning your program with a well-planned schedule will help you maintain balance.
2. Familiarize yourself with TESU’s online platform.
Graduate certificate and master’s degree students can access courses two days before each term’s official start date – which is always on a Monday – so you’ll have a weekend to review your course and its contents before starting. Practice navigating myEdison Experience on your own and review the course syllabus.
If you haven’t registered for your first course yet, that’s OK, too! You can schedule one-on-one tutorials with a graduate counselor. They can show you how to register for courses and take you on a virtual tour of the course platform, so you’ll be familiar with these processes when the time comes. Email gradadmissions@tesu.edu to take advantage of this opportunity.
3. Get Organized.
Sure, it’s easier said than done, but today there are a lot of resources today to keep you organized and on track during your degree program. Digital calendars and task management apps can help you stay organized with handy alerts. Some students have expressed their preference for paper calendars, planners and notebooks while still using digital tools as a backup. Try a few methods before you settle on the one that works for you, but whatever you do, be consistent with it!
4. Communicate.
Reach out to your course mentors with questions or concerns promptly. If you are experiencing issues or need help, you’ll want to address the problem right away. You can contact your mentors within the private mentor forum and use the class lounge forum to chat with classmates.
In addition, take advantage of TESU's mobile app to keep your education at your fingertips. This handy tool allows you to access course materials, submit assignments and participate in discussions on the go. Whether you're commuting on the train or waiting for your kid's soccer practice to end, you can turn idle moments into productive class time. But it's not just about coursework – the app also serves as a virtual student union. Use it to connect with classmates, crowd-source information and discuss common challenges. From sharing study tips to venting about work-life-school balance, you'll find a supportive community right in your pocket.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Being fully engaged in your course, including asking questions and asking for assistance when you need it, will enhance your educational experience.
5. Be persistent and motivated.
I will be honest – there will be challenges during your program – but it is important to persist. Keep your long-term goals in focus and celebrate small accomplishments and milestones along the way. Think of your journey as the Candy Land game board; even if you progress one color block by color block, you are still moving forward. Every reading assignment, discussion board post and research paper is moving you one step closer to completing your graduate degree.
Take time to reflect on your results and build on them. There are lessons to learn from your struggles as well as your successes. Evaluate your efforts. Are there things you would do differently in your next course? Are there things you will do again?
As you navigate the challenges ahead, never lose sight of your overarching goals. Remember, your graduate school journey is a true test of character, endurance and grit. But take it from me - it's also a transformative experience that will unlock your hidden potential in ways you can scarcely imagine. By embracing the strategies outlined here, you'll be well on your way to astounding not only your mentors and peers, but most importantly, yourself.
Whether you're looking to advance your career, deepen your expertise, or open up exciting new possibilities, our career-relevant programs can help you reach your goals. From business and technology to nursing and homeland security, our graduate offerings are designed to fit your busy lifestyle. Learn more here.
Written by Loretta Perkins