Are you a busy, working professional who wants to advance your career and have been thinking about enrolling in an online program? UW Online Collaboratives degree and certificates have flexibility and support built in to help you succeed. Our students and graduates share some advice on how to make the most of your experience:
1. You can take as many or as few courses as you like.
Your schedule is likely already packed with full-time work, personal activities, or hobbies. Most programs in UW Online Collaboratives allow you to enroll in one course during a semester–or more, –whatever you feel you can manage. You can load up your schedule in fall and spring, take a summer off, or take courses all year. It’s up to you, and you can vary your pace of courses as you progress through the program
2. Don’t overlook the support offered by Success Coaches.
You’ll have guidance from Success Coaches who will offer program advice and support throughout your academic career as a student in most UW Online Collaborative programs. You’ll have a student resource lounge, which provides access to:
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- Financial Aid Support
- Career Services
- Academic Support
- Personal Support
- Mental Health & Wellness Resources
- Accessibility Services
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3. Create a time management system.
Michael Poaletti, Director of Application Development at UW-Superior and graduate student in the Master of Science: Information Technology Management program, advises prospective students to think about establishing a time management that will work for them.
“I would say to review when assignments are due and start blocking off your calendar to meet those projects,” he says. “If you wait until two weeks before the deadline, that’s not going to work.”
For example: Michael does assignments after work, but reads on his lunch break in the office.
“You have to find additional time in your life to take these classes,” Michael notes. “You’re not going to do these classes and have your normal free life. Those do not exist together. And then I would say, don’t worry about how long it takes you to complete the course. It’s not like a PhD where you’ve got to finish in five years. So if you need to take a semester off, go ahead. Do what works for you.”
4. Use a planner to stay organized.
Lauren Fortin, a graduate of the Master of Science: Sustainable Management program, says that online coursework requires diligence, but offers some advice.
“It definitely is a time commitment. And it can be challenging, especially if time management doesn’t come naturally to you. I didn’t want to just ‘get by’ by the skin of my teeth. I really wanted to do well. So I knew I could not do more than one class at a time. My planner is my life. I mapped out every assignment, every reading assignment, every test, and every paper. Be proactive, take the time to plan. And if it’s important to you, you will find the time.”
5. Don’t doubt yourself–even if it seems like you’re starting from scratch.
“I had literally no background in sustainability,” Lauren notes. “I had no background in environmental science or anything of that nature. So I was very nervous. But you just have to do it. If it’s something that you’re really passionate about, you will do well. Your passion is the driver. I’d say if you have a lot of passion for sustainability, for the environment, for tackling climate change, then it is the right path for you. And if you don’t have experience in it prior, don’t let that deter you or scare you, because I was very scared. And I feel like it was the best decision ever.”
Are you ready to learn more about how you can fit an online degree program into your life? Contact us to set up an advising call or learn more about the application process.