Name: P****a
Profession: IT Analyst, Pune
Course: Online MBA in Business Analytics
University: Reputed UGC-recognized Indian University
Duration: 2 Years (Completed in 2024)
When I first considered doing an online MBA, I was full of hope but equally overwhelmed. I thought, “This will be tough, but I can handle it.” Little did I know how many challenges I’d face—balancing work, studies, and life. This is my diary entry—a peek into my journey of how I overcame every obstacle to complete my online MBA while working full-time in the IT sector.
Day 1: The Decision
Choosing to pursue an online MBA wasn’t easy. I was already working 9-to-6 as an IT Analyst, and the thought of studying again felt daunting. But I realized that upskilling was not optional anymore—it was essential. I had always been interested in data, so I opted for a specialization in Business Analytics.
Month 1: Reality Hits Hard
The first few weeks were the toughest. My mind was torn between deadlines at work and the new coursework. Here’s what I struggled with:
- Time Crunch: Juggling projects at work and video lectures wasn’t easy.
- Focus: Studying after work hours was harder than I imagined.
- Lack of a Routine: I kept pushing lectures to weekends, which made things pile up.
But I reminded myself why I started.
Month 3: Getting into the Rhythm
Slowly, I developed a system:
- I studied 1.5 hours each evening post-work.
- I dedicated my weekends to assignments and case studies.
- I turned off distractions—social media was off-limits during study hours.
With this routine, I started performing better in weekly quizzes and began contributing more confidently in discussion forums.
Month 6: Burnout Zone
There was a phase where everything felt too much. I had a massive project at work, mid-term exams, and a personal emergency all at once. I almost gave up.
But instead of quitting, I did this:
- Took a short break from studies.
- Prioritized mental health—started morning walks and short meditations.
- Rescheduled my study hours based on energy levels, not just the clock.
This helped me recharge and continue.
Year 1: Small Wins, Big Motivation
By the end of the first year:
- I scored a distinction in 4 out of 5 subjects.
- I built a small study group with 3 peers from the same batch.
- I started applying analytical skills at work and got noticed during team meetings.
These small wins boosted my confidence and made me realize that I could actually complete this.
Year 2: Turning Knowledge into Results
In the second year, we had real-world capstone projects and industry case studies. I chose a live project on predictive analytics in e-commerce, which I could relate to from work. I also led my group during the project phase.
This project became a talking point in my annual performance review—and I was shortlisted for a client-facing leadership role.
Final Month: Completion and Reflection
When I submitted my final project, I cried. It wasn’t just a degree—it was two years of Online MBA:
- Hustling post work hours
- Learning something new every single day
- Pushing myself out of my comfort zone
And yes, it was absolutely worth it.
What Helped Me Overcome Challenges
Here are a few things that truly helped me:
1. Creating a Personalized Study Plan
No one-size-fits-all. I tried many formats until I found one that worked for my lifestyle.
2. Supportive Peer Group
We studied together, shared notes, and kept each other accountable.
3. Breaks Are Not Failures
Sometimes, you just need to pause and breathe. It’s not quitting—it’s recharging.
4. Using Learning at Work
Once I began applying MBA concepts to my real job, everything felt more purposeful and exciting.
Message to Future Students
If you’re planning to do an online MBA while working full-time, know this:
- It won’t be easy—but it will be transformative.
- You’ll discover resilience and focus you didn’t know you had.
- And the career benefits? They’re real.
You might be tired, stressed, or doubting yourself—but one day, you’ll look back at this journey with pride.
This is not just a course—it’s a personal victory.
Signed,
A once-overwhelmed, now-empowered Online MBA graduate.
– P****a
