Thanks to online graduate school, students all over the Philippines are given the opportunity to have access to quality education they wouldn’t have otherwise had. By simply logging into their online accounts, they can watch the lectures and submit their requirements anytime, anywhere. Now, more Filipinos can accomplish their dreams of attaining a postgraduate degree. But while it is now easier to enroll in one, it isn’t necessarily easier to complete one. Here’s how to survive your master’s program, or graduate school in general, especially if you are also working.
- Know More About Your School
Our first piece of advice for incoming graduate students: before even starting your program, know what resources you’ll be needing and what the school will be including in your tuition fees.
- Time – Figure out how much time each class will take and try to create a schedule to follow. Then, allot time for things such as reading the course material and doing research work. You’ll want to add all of these to your work-life schedule as well.
- Technology – is your Internet speed reliable and fast enough? Is your device’s hardware capable of meeting your needs? Does it have a webcam and microphone, should you need them?
- Teachers – Take a look at who your instructors will be. What are their credentials? Will they be available to answer your questions and if so, how soon can they respond? How do you get in touch with them?
- Ask Questions
With pre-recorded online classes, it may be harder for you to ask questions. If a topic is unclear to you, jot it down right away on your laptop or a sheet of paper so you don’t forget it. After the lecture, email your instructor right away while the question is still fresh in your mind.
Alternatively, you can also message your instructors simply to share ideas and gain insights from them. They are, after all, specialists in their fields. Ask as many questions as you’d like and don’t be afraid to contradict their ideas. You’re here to learn and to grow!
- Have the Right Attitude for Learning
Start your day with a mindset for learning. When studying from home, it can be easy to procrastinate, so self-discipline is key to succeeding. As we’ve mentioned earlier, create a daily schedule that you must follow religiously. There isn’t a right or wrong schedule, as your responsibilities differs from everyone else’s. So, make one that makes sense to you, your needs, and your abilities. Just make sure to hold yourself accountable to it!
- Network
Yes, you can make friends in an online postgraduate class! Just like a traditional school, you’ll also have group projects and assignments that will help you foster connections with your peers. On top of this, your school will most likely have some form of forum board where you can exchange ideas with your classmates. Take this chance to network and exchange ideas with other individuals who are passionate about the same things you are! You’ll never know when you’ll bump into them again in the future.
Online graduate school can be difficult, but it is a rewarding experience that will open so many doors for you once you’ve completed it. Just follow these tips and you’re bound to survive graduate school with flying colors!