From Boardroom to Classroom: A Tale of How I Returned to Academia From Being a Business Analyst
How To Become a Student Again After a Break from the Academic Environment
After dedicating a couple of years to my role as a business analyst at a bank, I decided to embark on a new journey, one that would propel my career forward and expose me to a realm of fresh opportunities. The rationale was simple: if I was brilliant as a business analyst in the bank, I would definitely excel as a post-graduate student of business analytics because I already have practical knowledge of what my Masters program entailed. I got the shock of my life when I resumed school and struggled with ‘becoming a student’. The hours spent intently listening to lectures seemed to push the boundaries of my patience, and the struggle was more pronounced when it came to tackling coursework and assignments. I found myself grappling with the unfamiliar territory of academia.
It did not take long for me to recognise that in order to thrive as a student, I needed to embrace the process of unlearning, learning, and relearning. Below are some of the invaluable tips that aided me in successfully reintegrating into the student community.
Embracing the Beginner’s Mindset
Admitting that I had practical knowledge but still had a lot to learn theoretically was the first step. Even if you were Sherlock Holmes, being open to learning is always a good mindset to have in academia because there is always something to learn. It's essential to approach your studies with an open and humble mindset, regardless of your prior expertise.
Effective Time Management
Reconciling academic commitments with personal and professional responsibilities demands effective time management. I remembered how much I had to struggle with this until I learned the ultimate juggling act of balancing coursework, lectures, and work. You can check out our article on time management if you want to learn more on this!
Leverage Your Experience
Turns out that my years in the banking industry weren't just numbers on a balance sheet. They were a currency of experience that I could exchange for academic insights. While you might be "back to school", remember that your real-world experience is an asset. Seek opportunities to relate your professional insights to academic concepts and that could just be your secret academic weapon like it was mine.
Seek Support
When the going gets tough, the tough email professors asking for academic support. Don't hesitate to reach out to academic allies, professors, peers, or academic advisors when you're struggling. They might not have capes, but they have wisdom, which is practically the same thing. I was lucky to learn quite early that the academic community is there to help me succeed and I was able to make the best use of it.
Break Down Coursework
Approach assignments and coursework systematically. Break them into smaller tasks, and tackle each step methodically. This approach can make overwhelming tasks feel more manageable. My knowledge of agile methodologies helped me break assignments and coursework into phases and bits that I can understand and tackle methodically. Our article on how to write essays and coursework effectively and efficiently is also a must read.
Develop Effective Study Habits
The only way to get better at studying is to study and that was exactly what I did. I would spend more time on topics that I found difficult and even when it seems like I am not making any progress, I would stay on those topic because I knew that the more I study, the more I get better at studying. Experiment with various study techniques to find what works best for you. I also learnt that active learning methods such as summarising, teaching others, or creating visual aids can enhance retention.
In conclusion, transitioning back into the academic sphere after a professional hiatus can be a daunting endeavour. However, armed with the right mindset and strategies, it's possible not only to adapt but also to thrive. There were times when I wished for a "Ctrl + Z" button for life, but in the end, this academic odyssey has been an adventure worth every chapter. I have learnt that my journey is a continuous process of growth and learning, and I have confidently being able to embrace being a student once again. We will love to see your engagement through your likes, shares and comments, so let’s get on with it!