Here’s What Former MBA Students Say About Balancing Work, Life and Study

Between a busy job and carving out enough time to live life, adding further study into the mix can feel like an impossible mission. But it can be done. After all, embarking on an MBA is a decision that can pay major career dividends.

Whether you’re looking to level up in your work or trying to design a meaningful career that makes a difference in the world, the trick lies in choosing a leading MBA. One that has support built into the program from the very second you start considering an application — then continues during your studies, and beyond.

Take Teejay, for example, who, by their own account, had a job that might seem incompatible with the requirements of studying for an MBA.

“I was in a demanding role that required travel and work in various time zones. I was worried there would be a detrimental effect on work with the time I would be spending during lectures and completing assignments.”

Opting to pursue a Griffith MBA proved to be a wise decision, given the program was flexible and responsive to the needs of the diverse cohort.

“Griffith offered a very supportive environment,” says Teejay. “The MBA team were very organised and great at communicating. There was a dedicated learning support team and the lecturers were always available to help when needed.”

Griffith’s MBA is structured to be responsive to students’ needs, because they know that finding the right balance in work, life and study will help them succeed.

“Maintaining a balance between work, life, and study is crucial for overall well-being and success,” says Adjunct Associate Professor Michael Duggan, who is one of the program’s lecturers.

Teejay credits the Griffith MBA with finessing their time management skills.

“What I really learned was how to prioritise and let things go.”

It’s a learning that Duggan advises to his students too.

“Balancing work, life, and study as an MBA student requires some careful planning and self-care. I advise MBA students to invest time in prioritising tasks by setting realistic goals and creating a structured schedule. Allocate specific times [for different areas of focus].”

As Duggan succinctly summarises it, “It’s okay to take breaks and prioritise self-care.”

Apart from what students can individually do, the program also has other avenues of support.

“Utilise campus resources like study groups, networks, and tutoring,” advises Duggan. “[There’s] comprehensive academic resources, counselling services, and flexible learning options.”

If you’re deliberating over pursuing an MBA, Teejay offers an unwavering vote of confidence.

“Take the risk — it will pay off.  It’s an amazing journey that is well worth the effort. Time management is key, once you have that figured out — everything else will fall into place.”