Fall is around the corner and you are about to begin your STB online adventure! Some of you may have just completed your undergraduate degree; others have been away from the classroom for a while. No matter where you’re starting from, pursuing your online graduate degree can be exciting, but also challenging. We are here to help! We’ve gathered several tips from the experts, faculty, students, and alumni to help guide you along the way.

Tip #1: PREPARE
  • Preview your required reading materials and textbooks prior to the first day of class. Login to the CANVAS learning management system, become familiar with the interface and see how your courses are set up. While you’re there, tell us a little about yourself, if you haven’t done so already.
  • Create a designated workspace especially if studying from home. Set up your space with everything you need for your coursework, i.e., computer, textbooks, earphones, etc.; having a specific area to study and listen to lectures helps with concentration and minimizes interruptions.
  • Once classes begin, time management is your key to success! Create a study schedule and stick to it. Begin your week previewing your professor’s course materials to get a feel for what lies ahead. Make note of any homework due dates, project deadlines, and upcoming exams and structure your study schedule accordingly.
Tip #2: CONNECT

It is so important to make connections within the online learning environment!

  • We encourage you to network with your virtual classmates. Get to know your fellow STB students, faculty, and staff through discussions boards or reach out by email or social media. You never know what will come from a new connection.
  • Take an active role in online group projects. Professors may ask you to collaborate with several of your classmates on a project for a course. Check out these tips for Do’s and Dont’s for Online Group Work.
  • Seek out a mentor. Connect with a colleague from work that has completed the STB program or has been in the program for a couple of semesters or more. Their insight and experience can be invaluable.
  • Industry conferences, seminar, and short courses provide excellent opportunities for in-person networking. If you are attending an event, ask your online classmates who else might be attending and plan to meet up.
Tip #3: SEEK SUPPORT
  • Your professors want you to succeed; you can never go wrong by reaching out to them. Communicate early and often if you find yourself struggling in a course.
  • Build a support team outside of the program. Share your goals with your co-workers, family, and friends. You will be surprised how much support you receive and they will become more aware and understanding of your time commitments.
  • Seek out the resources available to you. At Iowa State, we have a very active distance & online learning culture. You can access some of the ISU resources available to you on their website Distance & Online Learning at ISU
  • The STB staff is available to answer your questions and provide assistance along the way. Please feel free to reach out at any time, if we don’t have an answer to your question, we will find out who does. Contact Lori:  seedgrad@iastate.edu 515.294-9317.
Tip #4: REMEMBER WHY?

Why am I doing this? When work and life situations challenge you, it is easy to ask yourself that question.

  • Focus on the career advancement opportunities waiting for you upon completion of the STB program* and the positive impact this will have on your future and your family’s future. Write down these career goals and your motivation for pursuing your master’s degree in the first place. Post it in a place where you can view it every day.

*Many of our STB students experience advancements in their career while they are still in the program because they have demonstrated to their employers their willingness to put forth the effort it takes to continually improve their knowledge of the industry.

  • Visualize your graduation ceremony and imagine your celebration with family and friends. A reward for a job well done!