Online graduate students enrolled in the MBA@Nebraska, M.S. in Business Analytics and M.S. in Finance programs at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business work to obtain their degrees remotely from around the world. In their experiences, they develop routines and skills that help them succeed in class while balancing work, life and academic responsibilities. We asked them to share words of wisdom for the students currently finishing the spring semester remotely for the first time due to COVID-19 recommendations.

The online students shared this advice:

Develop A Schedule
“Take advantage of the time flexibility by finding a balanced routine of sleep, exercise, hobbies and a personalized study schedule. Then stick to that schedule.”
Joel Einfeldt, MBA, Lincoln, Nebraska

“The first thing you should do in each class is figure out the rhythm of the course, when things are due and how they are submitted. Assume the first week will be chaotic until everyone figures out how to use the technology.”
Shannon McEvoy, MBA, Fort Collins, Colorado

“Try to create your own schedule and stick to it to help you stay on track. View your routine on a week-by-week basis. For example, any required readings or lectures, have them completed Monday to Tuesday. Wednesday to Friday, work on assignments with upcoming due dates. Saturday to Sunday, button up everything that needs to be submitted and get a jump-start on the following week.”
Maggie Puncekar, MBA, Chicago

“Schedule a specific time each day for school. For me it’s when all the kids are asleep – so, four days a week from 9 to 11 p.m. is ‘school’ for me. Doing this and sticking with it also helps set boundaries for your loved ones who may also request your time.”
Alex Harkins, MBA, Tampa, Florida

“My best tip for remote learning is to set a recurring schedule on your smart phone or tablet as a reminder to check your Canvas to-do list every day in the morning and evening. After a week, it’ll become habit. Checking the to-do list in Canvas regularly will force you to stay on top of the requirements. Also, get in the habit of watching the instructor’s online lecture multiple times during free moments and the information will be easier to remember and understand.”
Jamie Williams, MBA, Lincoln

“Get a planner and write down assignments, tests, forum posts or any other assignment due dates. Try to stay at least two to three days ahead of the due dates so you are not rushed trying to get assignments done on time.”
Jayme Hallman, M.S. in Business Analytics, Bayard, Nebraska

Stay Engaged And Connected 
“Stay engaged! Whether that is through online class sessions, calls with group members, or discussion boards. It helps immensely to retain the community aspect of classes.”
John Szalewski, MBA, Omaha, Nebraska

“If you have a class with a lot of teamwork and group assignments, stay connected with your teammates as much as possible. I’ve had success with establishing a group text thread (don’t be afraid to share your number), as well as getting together virtually once a week just to touch base and talk to make sure we’re all on the same page.”
Maggie Puncekar, MBA, Chicago

“Stay in front of group assignments. Be proactive with your group to get everyone together and aligned well before the assignment is due. For example, two to three weeks before a report is due, I reach out to the group, outline a proposed plan and solicit feedback on it. Then we schedule a time to meet via Zoom, Skype or Canvas. This live session is where we discuss the assignment and we divide the work into parts. Working with the tools we have access to, like Google Docs, we stay in touch and follow the progress of the assignment and pitch in if someone gets stuck. Not everyone works on schoolwork at the same time due to their own personal situation, so time has to be built into the progress of the assignment so people can contribute in the best way for them, which in turn, helps the group.”
Suzanne Godfrey, MBA, Madison, Wisconsin

To learn more about business graduate programs, visit: https://business.unl.edu/graduateprograms.