Graduate Study Challenges and Strategies for Personal Success

Graduate Study Challenges and Strategies for Personal Success

Accomplishing a graduate degree is an extraordinary achievement that can be attained through constant perseverance, dedication, hard work, and motivation. Graduate study is not simply an extension of baccalaureate degree but rather an in-depth and advanced, focused study in a scholarly experience (Gullahorn, 2004, p. 204). It is expected that graduate students will face tremendous challenges in different dimensions from financial standpoint to emotional and intellectual stress. The importance of well developed communication and coping skills are vital to one's success. Learning one's strengths and weaknesses, and understanding goals are essential in meeting the demands of graduate school.

Goal Setting

Arriving to my decision to pursue an advance-nursing education was a daunting task looking beyond my busy career and family life. After careful analysis and consultations, I realized that the advantages I would get from completing Family Nurse Practitioner Program outweighed its disadvantages. I used Specific, Measurable, Action related, Realistic, and Time based (SMART) Objectives in setting my goals to ensure my success in my chosen battle (Pugsley, 2009, p. 96).

I want to satisfy my burning passion for curiosity and advance my knowledge in the field that I am in. It is to my understanding that graduate studies will require enormous amounts of paperwork in APA format; thus I intend to master this writing style by the end of this year. I want to adapt to the changes to my schedule and routine because of this additional responsibility while fulfilling my duties and obligations at home and at work. Ultimately, I want to complete the MSN/FNP program on time and become an expert Family Nurse Practitioner who provides quality health care to the underserved populations.

Challenges and Strategies

Juggling family, career, and school life would be my greatest challenge on my quest to succeeding graduate school. "Perhaps, not surprisingly, time management was reported most often as a major challenge for graduate students. Feelings of having too much to do and not enough time in the day are common in graduate school" (Schlemper, 2011, p. 68). It is imperative to develop time management skills to accomplish each task, in every aspect of everyday life. Some steps that I would use include: daily and monthly calendar, to-do lists, and having a conscious effort to prevent procrastination. I will continue to be flexible knowing that there will be instances in which things are beyond my control. I will actively ask inputs from family and colleagues as I make decisions with timetables and schedules.

Another hindrance to success would be financial instability. It is expensive to attend graduate school in a private institution. I have explored every avenue to maximize my resources in ensuring