Juggling Classwork and Careers, These Grad Students Strive for Stability and Success

By Shelby Meek (G’27), master’s candidate in Communication, Culture and Technology

This student-written piece was produced in collaboration with members of GradGov, Georgetown’s graduate student government.

When she started her master’s program in Communication, Culture and Technology at Georgetown this fall, Morgan Aspinwall (G’27) knew her schedule would shift substantially.

Aspinwall works part-time as a communications assistant for the nonprofit Greater Washington Partnership and started grad school on a part-time basis in August. To accommodate the additional workload, she created a structured calendar with assignment deadlines and a homework schedule.

“Schoolwork is often done on Monday afternoons or weekends,” Aspinwall said. “I came to Georgetown with an understanding that [my grad program would] take over my life, so I try to time manage.”

Aspinwall is one of many Hoyas who work while earning their graduate degrees. These students say it is important to prioritize balance to manage stress, prevent burnout and excel both academically and professionally.

Creating time-management strategies and finding supportive communities have been key to finding a system that works for them. Two master’s students, Aspinwall and Laura White (G’27), share approaches that have improved their mental and emotional well-being and allowed them to maintain strong relationships and stay motivated. 

Make a To-Do List, Then Adjust It

For White, a part-time student in the Learning, Design, and Technology program and part-time program associate for Georgetown’s Apprenticeship in Teaching (AT) Program, balancing school and work hasn’t been a major adjustment.

That’s because she’s skilled at creating various to-do lists that reflect how and when schoolwork and work tasks need to be completed.

“Having a list to follow instead of relying on my ability to remember the 100 little things I need to do every day helps decrease my cognitive load and lets me focus my time and attention on the most important things,” White said.

Even time management pros like White and Aspinwall say their systems aren’t perfect. Aspinwall admits that there are things she could prioritize better, like making more time for gym days. 

Students can revisit and readjust their schedules if they don’t work out, Aspinwall said. Though work and class schedules can be firm, students can decide what to do with their free time and shift their priorities throughout the semester.

“Working and doing school is doable, but you need to know what you are comfortable with and make a schedule that can accommodate your schedule and work,” Aspinwall said. 

And making time for self-care is a must. When her workload is lighter, Aspinwall takes the opportunity to explore Washington, DC, so she doesn’t feel like she’s “living in the library and office,” she said.

Lean On Your Community

Both Aspinwall and White said that despite their academic and professional workloads, their programs at Georgetown have been supportive and accommodating of their schedules.

White designed her class schedule to account for her 20-hour weekly commitment to the AT Program. Most of her classes take place in the late afternoon, after she wraps up work on campus, so she walks from her office in the Car Barn to a classroom in the same building.

While she has one Monday class in the middle of the day, White said she appreciates the chance to step away from work for a few hours with no difficulty or conflicts.

“I feel like my professors are very understanding of their students’ schedules, so they try to be considerate when assigning projects and homework,” White said. “I feel fortunate to have supportive and understanding staff, plus [I appreciate] being able to step away from work for a few hours without any difficulty.”

White even finds time to take advantage of the Writing Center, the Graduate Career Center, and the Georgetown Library, which she calls fantastic free resources that offer one-on-one advice and help to students. 

Aspinwall said that fellow students in her program have inspired and motivated her on her journey through work and school. 

“My cohort, I feel, is really supportive and willing to provide advice and has been very kind,” Aspinwall said. 

Additional Resources

Balancing school and work can be a challenge, but no student should underestimate their potential and abilities at Georgetown. If you’re a student looking for an on- or off-campus position or advice on how to work as a grad student, the Student Employment Office is a good starting point. Its Student Employee Handbook covers the foundations of employment, including the I-9 form, timesheets, and payroll.

Grad students can also access off-campus employment opportunities through Handshake and meet with their program’s Career Center to explore professional opportunities.