This DIVE In blog post was contributed by Blue Yonder associate Sekhar Variam, Senior Principal Software Engineer, who recently earned his master’s degree and shares his lessons learned along the journey.
We all have dreams. Whether it’s to compete in the Olympics, learn to cook like a master chef, learn a new skill, or climb a tall mountain. For me, that dream was getting my master’s degree. Like many, you might aspire to study later in life but feel hesitant or unsure for various reasons. The lessons I learned pursuing a postgraduate degree can apply to a lot of goals, so I wanted to share what I learned throughout my journey which may help you to accomplish your dream!
- Start With a Why
Before embarking on your journey, it’s important to start with a clear “why.” My primary reason was to learn some methods in research and problem-solving that would help me become a better researcher in the future.
There may be instances where you feel like you want to quit. Having a clear reason will help bring your focus back and overcome the current challenges. - Make a Plan of How You Will Commit Your Time – and Be Realistic
If you are learning a new skill or aiming to accomplish something that takes training, it’s a good idea to make a plan for how you will reach that goal. Be realistic in how much time you can commit each day and set checkpoints along the way to ensure you are where you need to be. This also allows you to adjust your goal as you go along – remember, life isn’t always linear. For example, if you want to run a 5K, start by walking a little each day and then work your way up to a run.
For me, this was especially important when it came to taking more than one course in a semester. The first couple of times I did that, I had to drop one of the courses. However, in my third year, I took two semesters with two courses each, despite one course per semester being very tough and everyone advising against pairing it with any other course. I planned every hour of the semester (including weekends) and decided which days of the week I would dedicate to each subject, and when I would take off from work to study for exams or projects. I went through every review available for my selected courses, and paired courses such that the key projects and exams would not clash in the same week. - Find Others With the Same Goal and Participate Together
There is nothing better than the buddy system so having someone to help motivate you is a good way to stay on track. While I didn’t have that available to me, I did take advantage of live interactions with my professors, essentially using them as my buddy system. Professors take these sessions seriously, ensuring all queries are answered and providing detailed explanations of concepts not covered in the recordings. These sessions offer a valuable opportunity to understand your mistakes, unlearn and relearn material, and receive tips for approaching assignments. - Stay Engaged With Your Goal
It’s easy to get disenchanted, especially when you aren’t progressing the way you want to towards your goal. Take the opportunity to talk with friends and family about your goal and give them updates along the way. Maybe start a group chat, talking about it will help you stay engaged with your goal and wanting to progress. Look for videos and other resources online that can also help you stay engaged with your goal.
During my studies, I used the course communication platform daily to stay on track. I actively participated in discussions and posted in the appropriate forums for clarifications. I also used the private channels provided by teaching assistants (TAs) for clarifications as needed. Additionally, I joined the Slack channel for my courses, where TAs were also available to help. - Find Joy in Your Goal
As I mentioned, it’s easy to get disenchanted so look for joy in small accomplishments you make. Joy is easy to find if you stop and take the time to notice the little things.
I found joy in reading research and academic papers. Before this program, I had rarely done this; however, during the program, I had the opportunity to read numerous papers, summarize them and implement their ideas for projects and discussions. This exercise proved to be incredibly rewarding. One of my greatest learnings from this program is how to read research papers without feeling overwhelmed. It was beneficial to revisit these papers after a semester, without the pressure of deadlines. Having a physical copy with self-made notes and annotations was extremely helpful. - Enjoy Breaks
If you are feeling frustrated or unmotivated, it can be good to take breaks from your goal. Doing something else with your free time clears your head and then helps you come back to your goal refreshed.
I enjoyed my semester breaks with family and friends. I learned that no amount of pre-work in those three weeks would be adequate for my next semester. So, I put away my books and used the time to recharge for the next semester. - Last But Not the Least, Don’t Give Up
You might feel tempted to give up, and many people do. It’s perfectly okay to feel that way. You may need to readjust your goal to be more achievable.
I recall many times wanting to withdraw from a course, feeling that I can’t cope with it. But what I found is if I stuck with it, I could still achieve a good grade, even if I struggled in the first half. Remember, the end is not too far, and the rewards will outweigh the challenges.
Setting a goal for yourself is a valuable endeavor. Stay motivated, plan carefully and persevere through challenges to achieve your goals.
