Getting your master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) opens up a lot of opportunities. 

However, maintaining work and study while still having a good life balance is challenging. Coming up with MBA time management tools allows you to get the grades you need and learn as much as possible to apply to your business endeavors. 

You might worry you won’t have the time or energy to devote to your studies. Fortunately, with excellent time management, a master’s degree is very doable, even for those working full-time or managing a business.

Laying out time management as an MBA student is similar to the same techniques you utilize for running a business, household, or any other aspect of your life. Here are some top tips for establishing an excellent MBA study schedule. 

7 Tried-And-Tested Time Management Tips For MBA Students

1. Consider current obligations

Gaining an MBA takes about two years of full-time master’s level education or around three years for part-time. Before committing to an MBA program, think about what else is going on in your life. 

Keep in mind that a full-time master’s program is a lot of work, but full-time is not as many hours as you’d need to take for an undergraduate degree. Still, if you think the hours might be a stretch, shift to part-time courses and take a couple a semester rather than three or more. 

If you have a lot of stress in your life at the moment, consider delaying your start date a semester or two. When you’re getting married, starting a new business, or having a child, it probably isn’t the ideal time to add additional responsibilities to your plate. 

2. Plan your schedule

MBA time management becomes easier if you watch your schedule before adding in courses. What days are open? Which colleges have courses that are more flexible, such as online options or on days when you can give them your complete focus?

Planning out your schedule and allotting days for study is crucial to success as an MBA degree candidate.

3. Cover the cost

You’ll be better able to focus on keeping up with your schedule if you aren’t worried about the expenses of earning an MBA. Earning a scholarship is one of the simplest ways to cover a big chunk of college costs. The majority of MBA candidates get merit-based scholarships, so consider your GPA and any special knowledge you’ve developed. 

4. Break down goals

The path to MBA time management requires a bit of planning. As soon as you get a course syllabus, break down everything. Write out the big goals for the course, such as papers and when they are due. If you’re considering an MBA, apply for an online mba course in India to streamline your admission process. Proper planning will help you balance coursework, deadlines, and other commitments effectively.

Next, break down large goals into smaller ones. When should you have an outline for your paper? How long do you need for research? Slot out a date to write the rough draft, allowing enough time for feedback from the writing lab or critique partners. 

A digital calendar sends reminders when tasks are due. Some people prefer a paper calendar so they can look ahead. The key is to find the technique that works best for your needs. 

5. Use data management tools

If you’re a small business owner or working for a company, you probably already use data management tools for easy access to files. Tapping into this same software for your Master of Business Administration studies can be quite beneficial.

If you write a paper for a course, you may be able to pull it up from anywhere you are and re-read it for a speech or to study for an upcoming test. Combining data management tools with time management software gives you a strong arsenal to get through the toughest courses and defend your thesis one day as you seek your Ph.D. 

6. Go for study blocks

Rather than cramming for a test or only studying on a specific day, set aside blocks of time each day of the week to complete tasks and course reading. Most MBA candidates will tell you they did best when studying for shorter stints over a longer period of time. You’ll retain information better, too.

While you can certainly have a cram session and remember what you need for a single test, you’ll have a difficult time retrieving the information during semi-finals or finals. Find time in your workday to keep up with reviews. 

For example, you could spend 15 minutes of each lunch period reviewing flashcards. Record notes into audio and listen to them during the commute to and from work and school. Think about creative ways to learn more about the topic and excel in your class. 

7. Find support

According to the Council of Graduate Schools, around 10% of master’s students drop out before finishing their degrees. The good news is that the overwhelming majority of MBA students eventually finish their degrees. 

How can you ensure you’re in the group completing the degree? One way is to seek out support from those who’ve gone before you. Nearly every school offers some type of mentorship program. Ask your advisor what’s available to you.

You should also reach out to professors and ask them what else you can do to juggle everything successfully. They won’t reduce your work, but they may have some tools and resources that could help. 

MBA Time Management Tweaks

When you first come up with a schedule for MBA time management ideas, you’ll be at the beginning of your master’s journey. Things can and will change as you go along. 

Be flexible in your planning so you can make adjustments as needed. The effort is worth it, and you’ll walk away as a proud MBA graduate!