A Stern Grad's Survival Tips for MBA Moms

When - and how - to balance MBA study with family needs is a question that poses a dilemma for many professional women. Shonna Keogan, an upcoming graduate of Stern's part-time MBA program who had her first child about a year into the program and who will give birth to her second a few months after receiving her degree, gave her advice for MBA moms in the May 9 edition of the Stern Opportunity:

1. Enlist support from your spouse, family, and friends. Keogan says it was often "the little things" her husband did, like dropping off her assignments at school, that got her through the rough periods.

2. Arrange flexible employment -- meaning a job that allows you some control over your schedule and accommodates employees who need time to see to family and medical business.

3. Set realistic expectations. You're not going to be able to maintain a 4.0 GPA and participate in all of the school's social events and fulfill your duties as a parent at the same time.

4. Keep family and work separate. When it's time to be with your family, put work out of your mind and focus on your family. When it's time to be at work, put your family out of your mind and focus on your work.

Keogan writes that the flexibility of Stern's part-time program was perfect for her needs. Saturday classes, intensive classes, and independent study were some of the options that allowed her to pursue a quality MBA education while fulfilling her family and business responsibilities.