Office of Admissions

Thanks to Kevin Wilson, AM'19, for providing his tips on being successful in our Evening Master's Program (EMP)! 

While a master’s degree program of any kind can be daunting, being a part of an evening program like the Evening Master's Program (EMP) at 1871 while also working a full-time job requires its own unique tips. Here's my success guide for prospective and incoming EMP students…

Lean on your classmates

One of the things that I love most about the EMP is the great people that you have as classmates. In addition to being smart, driven, passionate people, EMP students quickly bond over a “we’re all in this together” mentality. Have to miss a class? Someone will be more than willing to share notes. Not understanding something? Don’t want to prep for a final alone? There are always study groups getting together. Not only are you probably not alone, but there’s also probably someone in class who does get it and would be happy to help you through it.

Talk to your professors and TAs

This one may feel a little obvious, but the faculty selected for the program understand that EMP students have jobs, families, and other obligations outside of being a student. Professors are happy to be as accommodating as is reasonable to work around those other obligations. But they won’t know unless you talk to them! So don’t be afraid, but also don’t expect them to let you off the hook on that policy brief

Share with your employer

This one might again feel a bit obvious, but your employer is more than likely happy to see you going back to school to further your education (and, in turn, further your contribution to the organization). Be up front with your employer about the time and workload of the EMP. If they can better understand what you’re doing, they’ll be far more likely to flexible with your work obligations to help accommodate your school work. But, again, it won’t happen unless you speak up.

Make time for yourself

When you’re working and going to school, there’s always going to be something you could be working on. Beware of burnout. Don’t be afraid to take a day for yourself and unplug, and don’t feel guilty about doing so. Your body and mind will both thank you. And the work will still be there when you get back. I promise.

Just breathe 

You’re going to get overwhelmed at times. Things will get busy at both work and school; it’s not always going to be easy. But you’ll get through it. You were selected to be in this program because the University thought you could handle it. People recommended you for this program because they knew you could handle it. And you will, one deep breath at a time.

Good luck! Enjoy! Always remember that there are a lot of people out there rooting for you that want to see you succeed.

The next deadline to apply for the EMP is May 31, 2019. Learn more and start your application here. 

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