Back To School: Balancing Work and Resuming My BS in Mechanical Engineering

[Williams.235]

I have decided to take the plunge. I am going back to college after 2 years out of school to resume work on my BS in Mechanical Engineering. I had to leave college during my 2nd year due to financial concerns and since then have been working full time. I plan to keep working full time during my studies.

I'll be attending a local community college taking chemistry and college trigonometry then will jump into calculus.

What do you guys think? Is obtaining this degree possible while working a 40 hour/week job? I'm planning to take 2 maybe 3 classes at a time (school is quarter based). Any advice or success stories are greatly appreciated.

 

[lisab]

Hi Williams -

Yes, it's possible, but you have to be very determined. I got my BS in physics going part-time - 9-1/2 years. Some of the time I worked full-time, but most of the time it was 30 to 35 hours a week. There was absolutely no time for any sort of social life !

If possible, only take one lab class per term - labs really eat up time.

Also, it really helps if your employer is somewhat flexible. There will be times when your assignments take a lot longer than you planned, so if you can adjust your schedule on a moment's notice it's a huge help.

Good luck!

 

[Mene]

Congratulations on your decision to go back to school and pursue your BS in Mechanical Engineering! It takes a lot of determination and hard work to balance work and studies, but it is definitely possible. Many students have successfully completed their degrees while working full-time, and it is a great way to gain valuable experience and apply what you learn in the classroom to your job.

My advice would be to prioritize your time and stay organized. Make a schedule for yourself, including time for studying, work, and any other commitments you may have. It may also be helpful to talk to your employer about your decision to go back to school and see if they can offer any support or flexibility in your work schedule.

Additionally, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it's from your professors, classmates, or even a tutor, seeking assistance can make a big difference in your academic success.

As for success stories, there are many people who have successfully balanced work and studies and have gone on to have successful careers in engineering. It may be challenging at times, but with dedication and hard work, you can achieve your goals.

Best of luck on your journey and I wish you all the best in your studies!