by Jodi Amato, director of academic support services

The online master’s degree program from CIA School of Graduate Studies is a great way to further your education without disrupting your life and job. Keeping up with your schoolwork on top of daily life activities can be a challenge, but with motivation and responsibility, time management is possible. “A master’s degree is hard work and requires a lot of dedication,” shares Katelyn Moir ’23, “however if you are considering returning to school as a working professional, CIA’s program provides you with flexibility to complete your schoolwork on your own schedule.” In addition to simple strategies that will help you stay on track with deadlines, avoid procrastination and prevent missed assignments.

Create Daily To-Do Lists

Writing a task list each day will give you direction, and it will make your time more productive and efficient. It’s also always rewarding to cross a completed task off your list! As a master’s student, it’s likely that your coursework will include a mix of short-term and long-term assignments. Writing down deadlines for each one and breaking longer-term assignments into tasks with their own deadlines can help you avoid beginning a major project at the last minute.

“You just have to take advantage of the resources, and you get out of it what you put into it,” says Kendall Feighan ’26. “Doing extra readings, doing research on your own, and really thinking of how you want to finish the program makes a difference.” Her most practical tip? Build a routine.

Develop a Schedule and Stick to It

Emilie Lariviere ’23, who managed two jobs and sommelier studies while in the program, found that “time management skills and scheduling tools made it possible to maintain balance without putting her life on hold.”

Do you have more energy in the morning or the evening? If you find yourself losing steam after dinner, it can be tempting to forgo assignments for TV or family time. While you may not be able to control every aspect of your schedule, there are many parts you can control. You might prefer to write on the weekends but enjoy reading before your workday begins. CIA provides every student with a Microsoft package. Many students use Microsoft Outlook to keep track of their busy schedules, as it allows you to set reminders and deadlines and even spreadsheets to create and check off daily and weekly tasks. Check out the Library Learning Commons page on the student portal for a list of our favorite websites and tools for help with time management and organization.

“Thankfully, the asynchronous cadence of the curriculum makes it possible for me to read and learn in small pieces throughout the week and then dedicate one day each week to reading and writing,” adds JB Douglas ’24.

Remove Distractions

“It’s by all means doable,” shares Alyssa Irwin ’23. “You have to prioritize. Not everything is going to go exactly according to plan every week, so you have to start early.”

Learn to use technology wisely. Most online class assignments require you to log-on to the internet to post comments, access reading materials, conduct research, or visit sites related to a course. But while technology serves as a valuable tool, it can also be distracting. So be sure to turn off access to other browsers and notifications when working so that your focus is solely on your course work for that period of time. On top of virtual distractions, location is important. Find a place that works for you, which might mean spending time at a local coffee shop rather than at your kitchen table.

Reward Yourself with Downtime and Revisit Activities You Enjoy

Finding time for non-academic activities and creating a school-life balance during the program can be difficult. It is important to keep your mind and body active during this time. Try your best to choose activities that encourage active thinking and movement. Netflix, social media, and screen time in general should be used in moderation. Schedule rewards for tasks completed. Pursuing a master’s degree doesn’t have to mean your life is all work and no play. It’s just as important to pencil in breaks, exercise and time with friends and family as it is to schedule time for studying.

“Give yourself time to think about what you want to accomplish and work backward,” encourages Carolyn Kading ’20. “What do you think about in your free time? What ideas continue to come up? Do you want to become a chef or run a business? Do you want to do both?” She adds, “Be practical with your time. If you commit to this program, give it your all and know there will be other parts of your life that will have less of you present. That’s okay, it’s all about sacrifice—so be selfish if this is your dream.”

Lean on Your Cohort

Dan Solomon ’23 shares that he has, “Three young kids, both my wife and I have full-time jobs… But it’s such a privilege to build an incredible network and lifelong friendships with my classmates.”

At CIA, we know this program is more than just academics—it’s about connection. That’s why our master’s programs foster a sense of community and support. Even with our online format and students ranging in age and background, all of the cohort members all share similar passions for the food industry and a dedication to advance their expertise. Our cohorts connect, ask questions, help each other with assignments, vent, and debrief throughout the program in their group chat. Participating as much or as little as is preferred, but every year, students find the cohort community an integral part of their experience.

Michael Hornback ’21, encourages anyone interested in pursuing a master’s degree from CIA to “Go for it! It’s well worth it and rewarding. The collaboration you go through, the contacts that you make—I’m a big proponent.”

There are some tried-and-true techniques that can help you master time management. Like any habit you develop, you can become better at it through practice, and if you need help or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Graduate.Admissions@culinary.edu.