Below is an article summarizing some points that I have experienced when transitioning back to academics / school from industry. I have done academics (learning) part time which is study part time since 2011 onwards to achieve various goals in academics along with work in industry. Here is the summary of what it takes and some tips to excel:

• You need to accept that getting a degree or a good certification takes time and effort.
• You need dedicated time over the nights or mornings on weekdays and especially half of the weekends sacrificing time with family and friends.
• Calendaring or scheduling time using calendars is your best friend.
• Finding out the best resources from the internet and Wikipedia or similar portals is very helpful.
• You can do anything but not everything. This is actually true. You need to drop / deprioritize what you cannot do due to lack of time.
• Your industry & family environment needs to be supportive of your goals and efforts, only then you will be able to manage both industry and academics.
• Writing / journaling also definitely helps, something like a blog as well can help.
• Pick growth mindset, have an open mind and learn continuously. This needs to become a habit.
• Use your industry knowledge to have discussions with batchmates/peers and professors. This helps to learn quickly and have engaging discussions.
• Integrate industry practices into your academic work.
• Network with industry, professors, batchmates to learn more effectively and stay on top of trends.
• Take advantage of academic assets like libraries and online databases for research.
• Use online platforms for research, collaboration, and project management.
• Understand mixing theory and practice. It helps.
• Aim to bridge the gap between academia and industry in your work.
• Plan your savings and finances to manage academic expenses properly.
• Maintain a healthy balance between work, life and study time.
• Manage stress through exercise, proper nutrition, and mindfulness practices.
• Set clear, achievable, planned goals and not ad-hoc random expectations. Adjust as necessary.
• Be flexible to new academic environments.
• Try for innovation using your industry and academic knowledge.
• Returning to good academic degrees / diplomas / certifications / workshops will most likely improve your knowledge and skills significantly.
• Email me: Neil@HarwaniSytems.in
• Website: www.HarwaniSystems.in
• Blog: www.TechAndTrain.com/blog
• LinkedIn: Neil Harwani | LinkedIn