Life as an MSIT Student: A Balancing Act

When MSIT students commit to spending their Saturdays with us, it often means having to rebalance work and home life, too. See what some of our students have done to help manage this change:

Azam Masood, MSIT Class of 2008, is an IT manager at Community Counseling Centers of Chicago(C4) and a first year MSIT student. Azam has 1 child and another on the way. Here is what he says about his first quarter.

"When I initially enrolled in the MSIT I knew it was going to be very demanding. Balancing work, finding time to spend with my wife and three year old son, and going back to school after 8 years was going to be a challenge. In addition to that first month of classes, I experienced the following that September, my wife giving me the great news that we were going to be parents again, a new CFO at work, passing of a grandfather, and fasting, sunrise to sunset, for Ramadan.

With a little planning and prioritization, family time was little affected. I was able to work flexible hours at work and luckily my job required little to no traveling. I did have to sacrifice some smaller things like studying during dinner instead of watching my favorite television show or spending time with the family and burning the midnight oil by going to bed around 2am only to wake up at 6am, but what I learned that first quarter was well worth it.

The unique MSIT structure is a huge part of my success. Since classes only met on Saturdays, I could focus weekdays for work and Sunday was family time. Also, the professors understand you have a life outside of class and the MSIT staff is always ready to help with administrative things. I have little doubt that I would have not been able to get through my first quarter in a traditional graduate program."

Here are a couple pictures of Azam with wife, Qudsia in Miami, and their young son Yusuf.

Jorgen Hesselberg, MSIT Class of 2007, is a Consulting Manager at Junction Solutions and a second year MSIT student. This is what he says about balancing work, family and school.

"It's definitely a balancing act, but I've found that the increased demands on my time has made me more focused and helped me manage my time as a resource to get the most out of every hour of the day. As a Consulting Manager at a small software firm, work never really ends; I routinely spend 10-11 hours at the office or client site each day with a few additional hours of work being done at home.

However, I do try to set some limits - Sunday is study day and each Wednesday evening is dedicated to school preparations with Brute Force, my study group. I also try to bring homework and readings with me so I can catch up during lunch, on the train or while I'm stuck at the airport between client engagements. Needless to say, it would not be possible to handle this without a very understanding and supportive spouse and I'm very fortunate in this regard. Melanie has been amazing and deserves a lot of credit when I graduate this June."

Here is a picture of Jorgen with wife, Melanie.

Jeff Carey, MSIT Class of 2005, was working as a technical specialist at Baxter Healthcare and a first year MSIT student in 2004. Jeff has two kids. Here is what he said about balancing work, family, and school.

"Balancing work, family and the program does take careful consideration, but it can be done. Sundays of course become very valuable, so spend them wisely. Don't be too upset if the family spends a day out on Saturday and then is too tired to spend much time with you on Saturday night. Remember they are giving up something too – you!

Around midterms and finals, the time crunch is really on. A business trip during this time can work to your advantage – all those nights alone in the hotel room to read! Also, getting up at the crack of dawn to study works out well (if a little hard on the body clock).

Most important, value the time you have away from school and don't spend every moment studying. We planned a vacation for the Thanksgiving break – if you do this – don't take your books along (I certainly didn't)! They are heavy and your mind should be on those other folks anyway (you know – the family!)"

Here is a picture of Jeff with Jackie, Jessica & Josie in California during Thanksgiving, 2003. Jeff claims he was preparing for finals!

Shanthi Levaku, MSIT Class of 2005, is a programmer/analyst at MSDW Discover Financial Services. She has two children. Here is Shanthi’s story about being a graduate student.

"I have always desired to complete higher education at a reputable institution. As a professional, job competencies and competition have solidified this need to do so. Also, this opportunity seems to be best accomplished while my children are young.

The MSIT, as expected, is quite a challenge, however, it can be done with a few compromises. When I started the program, my husband and I adjusted our work schedules. My work hours are from 6:30am to 3:00pm, while my husband’s are from 9:30am to 7:00pm. Before I leave home for work, I make sure that the kids have everything ready for the day like clothes to wear, breakfast, and the things they need for the day/school, etc. My husband takes care of getting the kids ready, getting my daughter onto the school bus, and my year old son to the sitter. I am home from work by the time my daughter comes home from school. She and I do our homework together. My husband picks up our youngest after work while I cook dinner. We will have family dinner and spend what little time we can together. Afterwards, I get the kids ready for bed while my husband cleans up the house. Sunday is our family day together to do chores, go shopping, or visit friends.

My young children are doing well with this disciplined and structured routine. It also helps to motivate me to work toward getting my master’s degree from this prestigious university knowing that I am a better role model to my children."

Here is a picture of Shanthi with her husband and children enjoying MSIT Family Day!

Andy Dickson, MSIT Class of 2005, is a manager for Exelon IT. He was a first year student in 2004 and has three sons. Here are Andy’s tips about balancing work, family and school.

• Give your spouse time off. When you can, let your significant other go out with friends. Every Saturday with the kids is a challenge (as wonderful as they are).
• Make time for the family. One Friday night last fall I probably should have been hunched over my MSIT 421 notes prepping for Saturday's exam, but chose to eat pizza and watch “Cat in the Hat” with fourteen 8 and 9 year olds. It was my son's 9th birthday party and I wasn't going to miss it.

This is the Dickson family.