Maximise your potential

Learning not only helps you upgrade, but it also leads you to make the most of your life, writes Helen Chau, who has been a part-time student since 1988

By and large, although a full-time student has to achieve one goal, a part-time student must achieve two, thanks to the need to satisfy the requirements of both employer and academic advisor. As a result, perseverance and tenacity are elements which cannot be ignored in the world of part-time learning, in addition to meticulous time management and a passion for your subject.

Although I am a senior executive at a well-established organisation working in manufacturing, I am also a part-time doctoral student in a business administration programme. I have spent almost the same amount of time on my part-time studies as on my full-time education, as this is my 15th year of part-time study since I completed my undergraduate degree.

Over the last one-and-a-half decades, I have found that the main differences between part-time and full-time students lie in the latter's constant, desperate need for additional time and greater degree of psychological struggle over whether to persevere or give up. However, proper time management can solve both issues, as the latter problem disappears once the former is resolved.

In my experience, and I am sure that of others, if you want to adhere to your learning programme you need to choose a subject that you like. This is particularly important for distance learners, as they require an interesting topic to keep them going. I find that, if I like a subject or admire specialists in the field, I am more likely to devote myself to it. The deeper I dive into the ocean of knowledge, the more fears and hurdles I need to cope with but the greater the joy I receive at the end. Nothing feels more satisfying than the ability to challenge myself and attain my objective.

I also feel that, the more challenging the area I get into, the greater direction I see for my future. All of a sudden, existence becomes more meaningful, almost as if I have found my purpose in life.

Certainly, my enjoyment of the learning process matters greatly, because it enables me to continue along my learning path. Even if something initially seems very foreign, interests can be developed. Insights derived from knowledge cannot be gained overnight; they are accumulated through learning activities.

In addition, learning provides great exercise for the mind and builds a solid bank of information for today's knowledge-based world. Different levels of education provide different levels of mind-training. Of course, learning incorporates various levels of time management and diverse organisational skills, since the amount of reading and research required varies depending on the mental exercise. However, the outcomes serve as intellectual spices for whatever dishes, or tasks, are required. As a result, I am always ready to cope with all sorts of assignments in the workplace - in no time flat. Well, practice makes perfect, which is why I still exercise my brain a great deal.

I have also gained many desirable by-products that enrich my life, including organisational, people and communication skills. Most importantly, I have developed friendships and networks throughout the process. I am happy to have been equipped with these, together with my work experience, over the years, as they give me the insight to evaluate opportunity and the confidence to face greater challenges.

Learning is a good thing. Since I believe that life without goals is meaningless, I recommend setting your learning goals one step at a time and gradually constructing a path for your future. I hope you can make the most of life in your learning journey, just as I do.

Taken from Career Times 2003/09/26
If you want to contribute to this column, please contact the editor for further information at editor@careertimes.com.hk