Degrees in Education are prestigious. If you feel Education is your calling, you should try pursuing a terminal degree. A Doctor of Education or an Ed.D is a smart choice for you. It is a very comprehensive degree filled with in-depth learning that will help you cultivate your skills. Once you safely secure an Ed.D., you can pursue many careers such as administrative fields. However, the degree itself is not easy. If you’re working, you need to find a balance between your job and your degree. If you enjoy theories and drafting research papers, getting a terminal degree is the right stop for you. But it can quickly become a missed opportunity if you’re unable to keep up with the workload. So, as you begin a new step in your career, we are here to help. Here are some tips on how you can complete your Ed.D. Program:
1. Figure Out What Career You Want
The first step in starting your terminal degree is figuring out what career you want. You need to know how many hours will go into your degree as well as the coursework. Specific careers ask you to work in sectors closely associated with the field. A question raise in mind is that, what types of jobs can you get with a Doctorate in Education? For that, it would help if you looked into the doctor of education jobs online to help you find a starting point. You can also decide if you want to go into a very tech-savvy side of Education or policymaking. Once you have your career in mind, start the process of getting your degree.
2. Make a Schedule and Stick to it
A schedule can help you plan your degree accordingly. You may have assignments and coursework that you need to do. Look at your work schedule and see what time slots you’re busy in. If you get breaks in between work, check if you can submit any assignments. A plan also helps you divide your time without causing burnout. So at no point do you feel like you’ve been doing way more than you can handle. If you jump into your degree haphazardly, you can tire yourself out before even progressing mid-way. So pace yourself and allow discipline to wash over you.
3. Find Online Forums with Tips
The best part about pursuing a degree in the 21st century is you can find your people online. There are so many websites dedicated to Education with forums for every degree. You can find other students from all over the world also pursuing an Ed.D. You should get in touch with these fellow students and learn how they’re balancing their degrees. Students always have valuable resources to share. They can tell you where you can purchase your books and what research professors publish good articles. These students can also connect you to online student classrooms designed for peer studying.
4. Don’t Push Anything to the Last Minute
Writing a research paper for a terminal degree is very different from other assignments you’ve done. Research papers require hours of dedicated reading. It would help if you allowed yourself ample time to read. So start working on your research paper. If your professor allows you to apply for an extension date, go for it. However, curb the habit of leaving everything to the last minute. You also need to ensure your paper contains pertinent and accurate information without shortcutting your way through research.
5. Find Ways to Manage Stress
While you’re working on your degree and your managing work, find ways to break stress. You can feel exhausted at the end of the day and may feel like giving up. Stress is a heavy burden to bear. It takes a toll on your health and prevents you from living up to your potential. Learn to take it easy. Not everyone has to follow the same method of maintaining work and Education. You can find your motivation and your source of inspiration your way if music helps you focus wherever you can play music. If you think meditating is your key to concentrate better, go for it. Find your center and make sure you hold on to it as you work on your Education and work.
6. Let Your Teammates Know
At work, you will most likely be part of a team. Your peers are your right hand. You shouldn’t isolate them from your life. If you’re studying, try keeping them in the loop of what your studying schedule looks like. When your peers know the amount of workload you’re managing, they’ll help you manage your work. They’ll also find a fair way to manage your workload. You’ll find yourself less stressed and less burdened with work. You’ll also find it easier to maintain a balance between work and Education. So there will be a time where you fall behind.
7. Set Boundaries for Yourself
While you can’t control deadlines when submitting assignments, you can control the workload you take. Don’t try to overstuff your schedule by taking all the classes you can think of. You want to pick courses that you can dedicate yourself to competition. While that can prolong your Ed.D., it is better than an unrealistic schedule that will be hard to follow. Don’t try to burden yourself at work too. Unless necessary, avoid pulling any overtime. Instead, manage tasks that you can during working hours. Setting proper boundaries is essential. The person working with you won’t know what you need unless you say it. You don’t want someone taking advantage of your work ethic.
8. Make Time for Yourself
It would help if you also were in your schedule. Your health and well-being always matter. Take time out for yourself. Utilize your weekends wisely. While you can use some hours in your weekend to your degree and work, don’t forget your family. Spend time with your children, take time out for yourself and even sleep as much as possible. You can even use your weekend to design a schedule for yourself. So when you start the week, you’re prepared to tackle the day.
Final Words
If you plan on doing your Ed.D., you need to find ways to balance your work and Education. It all boils down to how well you use your time. The best way to manage your time is through a schedule. It would also help keep your team members in a loop and allow them to facilitate you. Draw boundaries and use technology as an aid to help you navigate through your educational journey. Your degree is the most crucial decision you’ll make in your life. So make sure you pace yourself properly and as much as possible to help you study better. Your efforts will pay off when you collect your degree and finally get acknowledged for your Ed.D.
