Week in the Life of a Part-Time MBA Student: Balancing Work, Life, and Studies

Week in the Life of a Part-Time MBA Student: Balancing Work, Life, and Studies

Pursuing an MBA can be a major investment of both time and money. For professionals seeking to advance their careers without putting their current job on hold, a part-time MBA program may be the perfect solution. As a part-time MBA student at the University of Hong Kong, I’ve discovered that balancing work, studies, and daily life is possible with effective time management and discipline. Here’s a glimpse into a typical week of my part-time MBA journey and how I successfully balance work and studies.

Monday: Starting the Week Strong

6:30-7:30 am: I begin my day with a workout to keep energized for the rest of the day.

7:30-8:00 am: Breakfast and a quick stop for lunch on my way to the office.

8:00 am - 5:00 pm: I work full-time at a media company in Hong Kong. During my lunch break, I catch up on readings for my MBA courses.

5:00-10:00 pm: After work, I have dinner and focus on completing homework assignments due the next day. My evening ends with some much-needed rest by 11 pm.

Tuesday: Class Day

6:30-7:30 am: I start the day with my gym session to stay active.

7:30-8:00 am: Grab breakfast and lunch as I head to the office.

8:00 am - 5:00 pm: Work through the day and use my lunch break for MBA readings.

5:00-6:30 pm: I have dinner before heading to my MBA class at the University of Hong Kong.

6:30-9:45 pm: I attend class, where we are focusing on Analytics for Managers, a course that helps us use data to inform business decisions.

9:45-10:15 pm: After class, I review my lecture notes during my commute home.

Wednesday: Group Project Focus

6:30-7:30 am: Start the day with some exercise to stay sharp.

7:30-8:00 am: Grab breakfast and lunch before heading to the office.

8:00 am - 5:00 pm: Full focus on my job, with some MBA reading during my lunch break.

5:00-7:00 pm: Meet with a classmate to discuss our group project and prepare for our upcoming presentation.

7:00-10:00 pm: Work on my section of the group project. I’m committed to ensuring we are prepared for class.

Thursday: Presentations and Final Class of the Week

6:30-7:30 am: Morning workout to get my day started.

7:30-8:00 am: Breakfast and lunch before heading to work.

8:00 am - 5:00 pm: Full focus on my professional responsibilities, with readings and prep for class during my break.

5:00-6:30 pm: Dinner and last-minute review before our group presentation.

6:30-9:45 pm: Attend class and deliver our group presentation. Afterward, I celebrate our success with my classmate.

9:45-12:00 am: Enjoy a nightcap, but head home early to prepare for the next workday.

Friday: Wrapping Up the Week

6:30-7:30 am: Morning exercise to set the tone for the day.

7:30-8:00 am: Breakfast and lunch as I head to work.

8:00 am - 5:00 pm: Workday filled with professional duties, with some final MBA reading during lunch.

5:00-10:00 pm: After a busy week, I dedicate Friday night to relaxation, enjoying dinner with my partner and unwinding for the weekend.

Part-Time MBA: Balancing Work and Study

Different part-time MBA programs have unique structures, but they all provide opportunities for students to balance their work commitments and academic studies. At the University of Hong Kong, the program is structured so students only take one course at a time, with each course lasting about a month. This approach helps to keep the workload manageable while ensuring students receive a well-rounded education. Classes are held during weekday evenings, making it easier for professionals to attend while still meeting work responsibilities.

If you're considering pursuing a part-time MBA or need help navigating the admissions process, Crimson’s expert advisors are here to assist. Reach out to us to learn more about how a part-time MBA can help you advance your career without putting your current job on hold.