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How to Stay Positive When Studying for a Long Degree

Advancing your career often means going beyond a four year course of study. Yes, a bachelor’s degree can get your foot in the door, but if you want to climb the corporate ladder, it is imperative that you prepare yourself to continue on to at least a master’s degree in your chosen field. However, while there are multiple long-term benefits to be had, there are also some drawbacks which include the length of time it takes to get that degree. Here are some things you might want to consider in order to stay positive when preparing to study for a long degree.

Online vs. On-Campus Studies

Some degrees, such as those that qualify you to work as an administrator, require a minimum of a master’s degree. Consider the fact that you have just spent 13 years in kindergarten through 12th grades and then four years in college to get your bachelor’s degree. That is a total of 17 years in school alongside another two or more to get your master’s or doctorate. This is one of the reasons why so many students choose to study online and work while they are pursuing a long degree. For example, Rutgers Online is a leading school in the United States and you can pursue the same quality of an online MPA degree that you would achieve on campus, but at your own pace and in your own time. It makes it much easier to work towards if you are not relying on that degree to earn an income.

Take Time Out for Entertainment

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One of the major problems some students have in completing their degrees is in spending every waking moment studying. An online masters in public administration program takes about two years, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t take semester breaks, go away for a weekend several times within a semester and socialize with friends an evening or two a week. You know what they say about all work and no play, so don’t put yourself through that. You don’t want to be “Jack the Dull Boy.”

Get Plenty of Rest and Eat Healthy Foods

One thing that college students are notorious for is spending too much time studying and not enough time sleeping, especially before exams. You don’t need to cram for every exam if you’ve prepared well and you certainly can’t live on Coke and Twinkies! Make sure to eat plenty of healthy foods, sleep 6 to 8 hours a night and take your vitamins if you must! Nothing will discourage you more than being overtired and weak 90% of the time.

There are little tips and tricks that can keep you positive on your journey through a lengthy education, but if you keep focused on your future while taking time to enjoy your present, it will be easier than you think to attain your goal. Make sure you eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and fish for those healthy Omegas that are known to stimulate a healthy brain and before you know it you will be a graduate with an MPA degree in hand.