I remember when a senior manager joked during a team meeting “who on earth would volunteer to study for an MBA when we’re this busy?” Well yes, that was me.

Having completed my Executive MBA, I can confidently reflect on the journey and say that it is possible to balance a full-time job and an EMBA successfully! Over the course of my studies, I not only achieved the academic results I wanted but also secured a promotion within my first year.

Here’s what I learned along the way:

Be transparent with your manager

One of the most important lessons I learned during the EMBA was the value of absolute transparency with my manager. From well before the EMBA began I ensured I kept my manager fully informed, putting all my lectures, coursework deadlines and exams in their calendar.  You might think this is overkill, but my perspective was no manager likes surprises. The adage “forewarned is forearmed” seemed apt.  I was lucky as my manager supported me throughout, But support is two-way; I kept them informed of my EMBA commitments and they provided the professional support I needed to succeed.

Share your EMBA commitments with your colleagues

Transparency was not just reserved for my manager. I didn’t want my EMBA to be hidden, and why should it have been? It was a big commitment and pointless hiding the fact, so I embraced it and ensured my colleagues were fully aware of the demands of the course. I openly shared deadlines and I made them aware of my exam timetable. As a result, they too were incredibly supportive. They re-scheduled meetings, engaged in conversation about my studies, and on occasions went as far as insisting other meetings were finished early so I could have a break before lectures. All of this helped create an environment where I could commit fully to my job and studies.

Time management is key

It goes without saying but time management is key.  From revision plans to weekend study schedules, I needed to structure nearly all aspects of my life.  With both lectures and work moving to Zoom, it was important to get time away from my screen, so I needed to find the time to exercise and socialise. Being strict with my time management ensured that I completed work on time and enabled me to achieve work-life balance.

The EMBA journey wasn’t without its challenges, but being open and honest with my work colleagues, and meticulous about managing my time helped me strike a balance; I successfully juggled the demands of my work with those of an EMBA.