Balancing work and studies is challenging but possible, according to Hendrick van Heerden who’s pursuing an online Master of Engineering (Mechanical) program at EIT.
Hendrick van Heerden is a driven individual pursuing a Master of Engineering (Mechanical) while working full-time. Starting with an Advanced Diploma and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Hendrick’s dedication led him to embark on this two-year program at EIT.
We caught up with Hendrick to share his insights on balancing life, work, and studies and impart some great advice to aspiring online students.
What motivated you to pursue an online Master of Engineering (Mechanical) program while working?
Completing my Bachelor of Science (Mechanical Engineering) degree in 2020 left me searching for new challenges. Recognizing the increasing competitiveness of the engineering field, I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering to set myself apart. This two-year program keeps my skills up to date and equips me to tackle future industry challenges. A master’s degree in engineering will undoubtedly make me a valuable asset to any team, particularly in the face of growing competition.
Could you tell us about your experience with the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) and why you chose it for your MME studies?
I completed my Advanced Diploma of Mechanical Engineering Technology in 2016 and my Bachelor of Science (Mechanical Engineering) degree in November 2020 through EIT. In 2021, I began my Master of Engineering (Mechanical), a 2-year full-time program also offered by EIT.
I will finish my studies at the end of June 2023. EIT has been an excellent fit for me as a working professional, accommodating my long work hours and allowing me to further my education. The competitive course fees at EIT made it the ideal choice for me as an international student while still meeting the standards and subjects required for a university degree.
How do you balance your work responsibilities, personal life, and studying for your Master of Engineering (Mechanical) program?
I work long hours during the week and dedicate around 4 hours daily to studying. On weekends, I spend about 8 hours per day on my studies. However, while working on my project thesis, I had to increase my study time to 6 hours per day during the week and 18 hours on weekends. As a result, my personal life is on hold, but I expect to regain it after June 2023, when my thesis is submitted.
Have you faced any challenges while pursuing your online Masters’s degree? If so, how did you overcome them?
I faced challenges, particularly when dealing with equipment issues at work that required me to spend more time there, impacting my study schedule. To overcome these challenges, I dedicated long hours in the evenings to my studies and occasionally took additional leave days to ensure the timely completion and submission of assignments.
In what ways has your Master of Engineering (Mechanical) program complemented or enhanced your professional career?
The master’s degree not only cultivated and enhanced my enthusiasm for various engineering projects but also played a crucial role in developing my management skills, allowing me to specialize and deepen my technical expertise. Furthermore, it equipped me with the capabilities to lead projects and advance into more senior positions.
Can you share any strategies or techniques that have helped you stay organized and efficient while juggling work and studies?
As a highly motivated and self-driven individual, I carefully assess the workload of each assignment and set goals with specific timeframes to ensure timely submission. If work challenges encroach on my study hours, I compensate for lost time by dedicating additional hours or taking leave when necessary. Despite the extra effort, the rewarding outcomes make it all worthwhile.
What advice would you give aspiring Master of Mechanical Engineering students considering pursuing an online program while working full-time?
Handling the workload requires considerable effort and dedication. It’s crucial to stay motivated and self-driven throughout the entire duration. Regardless of any challenges that arise, maintaining focus is essential. Assess the workload, adapt goals and timeframes accordingly, and cultivate a positive mindset. Although there will be difficult moments during your studies, never allow them to discourage you. Remind yourself with confidence, “You can do it.”
What resources or support have you found most helpful during your Master of Engineering (Mechanical) studies? Are there any specific online tools or platforms you recommend?
I utilized Solidworks (Student version) for CAD-related assignments, Ansys Workbench for Fluid Dynamics and Aerodynamics, and FluidSim for Industrial Hydraulics and Pneumatics during my MME course. These resources were essential to my studies.
How have the knowledge and skills gained from your Master of Engineering (Mechanical) program impacted your work performance and opened new opportunities for you?
Obtaining my Master of Engineering (Mechanical) degree has empowered me to contribute confidently with my insights and expertise to the development of significant engineering projects. Additionally, it has enhanced my management skills and prepared me to take on leadership roles in more senior positions.