Whether you’re in the middle of your online degree program or just about to start, graduating on time can seem like a daunting task. But the sooner you graduate, the sooner you get your qualification. And the sooner you can start filling out employment applications to try to land your dream job in your new career. If you want to focus on your education to ensure you’ll graduate on time, here are a few quick and easy tips that could help reach your goal on time:
Choose Your Program Wisely
You’d be amazed how many students we come across who aren’t fully committed to the program or career they picked at the outset. Find your passion before you enroll, and when you do find it, make the most of the opportunity and throw yourself into the program with everything you have.
Take Advantage of Your Team
That’s right, all Carrington students have a team behind them. Your instructors, advisors and tutors are all available to help you succeed. If you need help, they are there for you; if you need advice, they are more than happy to help you focus. They can help you re-discover the fire in your belly that got you started, and they can help you regain your momentum. Don’t just take our word for it, read Claudine’s story in our October Student Spotlight.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Too many people think asking for help is a sign of weakness. It’s not. If you are struggling with your schoolwork, ask your advisor for help or some extra tutoring; if you are struggling to manage the other parts of your life and it’s affecting your schoolwork, lean on friends and family a little harder to help with the kids, or with chores at home. You’ll be amazed how willing people are to help – if only you’d ask.
Manage Your Time Wisely
We know that many of you will be balancing your schoolwork with a job, maybe 2, a family, a home, and more. Try to set a schedule that builds in adequate time for study – and stick to it. A schedule is not worth the paper it’s printed on if you pay no attention to it when it comes to the crunch.
Take a Breath
Most of the students we speak to have moments when they think about quitting. When that moment comes, don’t make any snap decisions. Take a breath, think about how far you’ve come and remind yourself why you’re on this path. Talk to your support network, think about what your success will mean to your family; your kids, your parents, your siblings will be so proud of you if you succeed.
Don’t Get Down on Yourself
You’re not perfect – nobody is. So don’t be too hard on yourself and expect perfection. As long as you are giving your best and working hard, that’s all anybody can ask of you. Accept your limitations, know your strengths and build on them. This is your time. It’s time to soar.
