Diary of a part-time MBA student
Shane Cracknell
Professional Sales Representative
Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals
Pfizer Australia
Current part-time MBA student
Monday
I generally have a class on Monday nights, and therefore try to find an hour during the day to complete the preparation I failed to finish over the weekend. This usually involves reading a couple of articles/chapters of a text book, or preparing answers for a case discussion. Arriving unprepared really limits your ability to obtain full benefit from the class.
Tuesday
Most Tuesdays I want to spend some time reinforcing concepts from Monday’s class. Unfortunately however, I generally forfeit this in order to prepare for Wednesday’s or to work on assignments. Either way, I usually put in a couple of hours in the evening to ensure that I keep pace with the course.
Wednesday
Being $12 steak night at the pub next to MBS, I generally try and arrange to have a class on Wednesdays. A text dinner order is strategically timed during the first half of class to ensure that my syndicate group is able to conveniently fit a meal into the half-hour break. The ensuing conversation allows all to consolidate learning and to benefit from the varied experiences of the group.
Thursday
During the winter, I continue to play an ever diminishing standard of amateur footy. Thursday nights are the only time I can spare to get to training, though around exams even committing to one night can be unrealistic…..especially if it's raining. I often find it necessary to put in an hour of study when I get home from training.
Friday
With the exception of exam time, I try to keep Friday nights study-free. The MBA not only impacts on my life, but really affects those closest to me. My partner is very supportive and tries to arrange herself around my schedule. Friday is often the first night of the week that we are able to spend some quality time together.
Saturday
Some classes have optional (but highly recommended) review sessions at 9 or 10 am on Saturday mornings, which I attend. My syndicate group often meets after these to work on assignments. During footy season, I play in the afternoon. Saturday nights are often spent explaining to friends that I am sorry I am leaving dinner/drinks early (again), and that I sincerely do wish that I could see more of them.
Sunday
If we haven’t met on Saturday, my syndicate meets on Sunday afternoon. These gatherings become more frequent when assignment due dates are imminent and around exam time. After preparing anything I need to for the week at work, I spend a couple of hours on assignments or preparing for tomorrow’s class, which I rarely achieve as thoroughly as I would like. Bringing me back to Monday.
