Balancing work and study
The financial rewards for qualified accountants have never been greater. With a shortage in numbers of finance professionals looking for work, salaries are ever increasing with a variety of positions available to those with first-time passes. However, passing those all-important exams is no breeze.
Stumbling blocks
The notion of studying while working seems attractive. You have time off for exams, and, if you are lucky, study time as well. Your employer is investing in you and appreciates the effort you make for them. That is all fine in theory, but once you actually start combining study with full-time work, it is another matter.
There are a number of constraints that can affect the way you divide yourself between study and work; however the two biggest factors are time and pressures from work. The number one reason why it is difficult to combine study with work is lack of time.
Pressure plays a part too. It is month end time and your boss needs those figures for Friday. You have an assignment that is due in and you have not even started your revision. This is a very common problem for students. The demands on employers to reduce costs increase and productivity in an effort to be competitive have a direct impact on employees. The added pressure of fitting study around this is a major stumbling block for students. Add a family to this equation and the odds seem stacked against you.
Help is at hand
Colleges and further education centres are acutely aware of the restraints placed on students. They are increasingly offering greater support to enable students to realise their academic potential. The advent of email means tutors can now be online to offer this support and can respond quickly to questions.
Qualified counsellors are on hand at colleges to offer personal advice and help cope with the pressures. Personal tutors can provide a constant source of support should you need it, as well as academic support when needed.
Employers can help their studying staff in a number of ways. They provide extra time off or even additional study courses. Some companies operate flexible working hours for those with impending projects or exams. And some do take studies into account when demanding overtime. Every company is different, and many do try to alleviate the pressures of study for their employee. After all, they are investing in you and your future qualifications.
A successful balancing act
- Quantify the amount of work you need to complete for the forthcoming term; try to draw up a long-term plan and include time off within it
- Never underestimate the amount of time it takes to complete projects - plan carefully to avoid unseen eventualities, such as a sudden work deadlines
- Acquire the information needed through as many channels as possible - tutors are now available via email/online chatrooms for students
- Look at the big picture - hard work now will pay off later - take at look at the job roles and salaries that qualified accountants are enjoying and use that to motivate you
Balancing work and study is achievable - the key is to be organised and manage your time efficiently, compromising with demanding bosses along the way.
