Studying for an MBA in a virtual environment comes with its own challenges, particularly when combined with full-time work and family responsibilities. For many professionals who choose to pursue an MBA later in life, family and career commitments can make a traditional in-person program difficult or even impossible.
Two students from the Global Online MBA program at ESMT Berlin share how they navigate these pressures while maintaining focus and energy.
Time management tools and systems
For Isha Verma and Francesca Rampoldi, flexibility was central to choosing an Online MBA. Verma had long wanted to pursue the degree, but couldn’t commit to a full-time program without compromising her career and family life.
Rampoldi, who transitioned from cancer research to innovation management, also needed a format that allowed her to study while working full-time and raising a toddler.
This commitment requires clear systems to manage time and competing priorities. Verma relies on a mix of physical and digital tools, including whiteboards, sticky notes, and synced calendars to plan her week, fitting study around work and family.
She also carves out focused time by printing readings for offline review, studying offline or at a coworking space on weekends.
Rampoldi uses digital calendars and simple task lists. She breaks down bigger assignments into smaller, manageable steps. She also relies on weekly planning sessions with her partner to coordinate childcare and household responsibilities, making sure backup plans are in place, in case schedules shift. This flexibility allows her to carve out study time on weekends, evenings, or lunch breaks.
Both students rely on careful planning, discipline, and partner support to manage their MBA alongside demanding personal and professional commitments.
Staying focused amidst distractions and challenges
The virtual learning environment can be full of distractions, but determination and resilience make a difference. “I take it one day at a time,” says Verma.
“I’m resilient, which really helps during an MBA. My focus comes from determination and keeping my eyes on the prize.”
Verma also credits encouragement from family for strengthening her resilience. To minimize distractions, she balances weekly priorities and carefully selects social events.
Rampoldi emphasizes self-discipline in managing personal and academic responsibilities, structuring her time with quiet evening and weekend blocks to stay consistent.
“Many of the concepts I learn in the MBA can be applied directly in my daily work,” she explains. “The will to learn and improve keeps me engaged and motivated to make time for studying [despite] all my other responsibilities.”
Rampoldi recalls a particularly challenging period managing work deadlines and pregnancy while her daughter adjusted to a new kindergarten and her partner was away.
However, asking for support and being transparent helped. She reached out to her family for help with childcare, openly discussed her situation with my MBA study group, and arranged to take some time off from work.
“Without these adjustments, it would have been impossible to manage,” Rampoldi says. “It was a reminder that balance doesn’t mean doing everything at once – sometimes it means asking for help and prioritizing what truly matters in that moment.”
Avoiding burnout
Burnout can easily occur when juggling multiple responsibilities alongside an MBA. It’s important to take breaks, maintain perspective, and make time for life outside coursework to stay motivated and refreshed.
Verma makes time for social rituals, whether that’s a meal or painting class with a friend, and insists on complete rest days with no studying.
To avoid burning out, Rampoldi tries to set realistic expectations. “I don’t aim for perfection in every single task, but focus on consistency and progress,” she says. She also prioritizes recharging outside of study and work by taking out time for herself and spending time with her daughter.
“It helps me shift perspective and disconnect from the pressure.”
Advice for future students
Both students highlighted the importance of clarity and support.
Verma advises students to choose their program wisely.
“Know why you are choosing it, and stick with the rationale,” she explains. She recommends writing it down – either on your journal or on a card in your wallet and visualizing yourself in a graduation cap and gown.
“It’s perfectly okay to feel overwhelmed, question your decisions, and doubt yourself,” Verma says. “Talk to someone when these doubts [creep up]. But also, remember that you are here to learn and this is an experience, not a competition.”
Rampoldi’s advice is to accept that change is inevitable.
“Be realistic with your time and don’t aim for perfection in every single task,” she says. She recommends building a weekly routine, but also being flexible enough to adapt when unexpected things happen.
“Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for support from your family, colleagues, or your MBA study group.”
Shaistha Khan is a journalist, writer, and communications specialist with 14 years of experience across business and professional development, personal finance, oil and gas, and travel and tourism industries. She has worked in seven countries, with Canada being the most recent. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) and a diploma in Public Relations and Reputation Management.
