I consider myself very fortunate to be able to study for a degree alongside a full-time job. Whilst it comes with many challenges and difficulties, I think degree apprenticeships are a fantastic way to learn and earn money simultaneously without any student debt! The main challenges I find are to do with balancing time effectively to make sure I get the best grades I can in assignments, while also delivering in a fast-paced sales environment.
It is certainly a challenge combining both worlds but as I near the end of my studies I am grateful for the journey. It has taught me so much, not just through my academic studies, but also through working full time as well, it really is the best of both. To any student doing their A-Levels now in year 13, I would highly recommend considering an apprenticeship option when you finish your exams, as you can go onto learn so much and most importantly, earn money at the same time.
You also get the opportunity to learn so many commercial skills, working full time with some great people. There is no substitute for real life experience and that is something you can’t get solely from university. You're not just learning from textbooks; you’re acquiring firsthand knowledge from experts in the field. This makes the experience incredibly fulfilling, especially when you realize how your contributions to work matter.
Moreover, completing an apprenticeship with a degree is a huge accomplishment and a great achievement especially for people who don’t think solely going to university is the right path for them. It’s a great alternative and gives you the best opportunities to learn and get a degree without the debt.
The Challenge of Time Management
However, with this dual commitment comes the biggest hurdle: time management. Working a job and pursuing a degree means your time is split between professional responsibilities and academic demands, and both can be quite intense.
You might find yourself with back-to-back deadlines for assignments while facing major projects or meetings at work. In my case working in recruitment, it can be stressful at times when recruiting for multiple roles at the same time as a tight university deadline, which has led to some very late nights and long days! But it has certainly developed my time management skills and massively helped my diary management.
Tips for Managing Your Time
Create a Schedule and Stick to It Plan your weeks ahead. Make use of a planner or digital tools to block out time for both work commitments and study. Sticking to a schedule is key to staying organized.
Prioritize Tasks Identify what tasks are most urgent or carry the most weight in terms of grades or work projects, and tackle those first. Breaking down bigger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks can help avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Set Boundaries As tempting as it is to always be available for work or keep studying late into the night, setting boundaries between work, study, and personal time is important to prevent burnout. Give yourself time to unwind and recharge.
Use Downtime Effectively Make use of any commute time or slower periods at work to catch up on reading or research. Even small chunks of time can add up over the week and ease the pressure.
Seek Support When Needed Don’t hesitate to ask for support - whether from your employer, who may allow some flexibility around study times, or from your university tutors, who can help you manage your academic load.
Balancing time and studies during a degree apprenticeship is no easy task, but then nothing worthwhile ever is.
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