Jennifer Ziegenmier of American InterContinental University

In today's economic climate, more moms are feeling the pressure to contribute more financially to their households.  In fact, many moms are considering returning to school to hone their skills in order to better compete in the workforce and improve their income opportunities, according to a new survey by American InterContinental University (AIU).  

The survey of 1,800 working and stay-at-home moms found that 90 percent are feeling pressured to provide more financially for their family, while 65 percent want to pursue career advancement or are considering a return to work.  Yet, only 27 percent of moms surveyed have returned to school or plan to return in the next six months due to time and financial commitments.

For student moms and those considering a return to school, online courses are an increasingly attractive option.  In fact, 39 percent of all moms surveyed said they would prefer to pursue their education online.

Tips for Moms

The flexibility and convenience of an online degree program is what convinced me to pursue my MBA online.  If you’re considering a return to school, here are some tips to ease the transition:

1.    Establish short and long-term goals:  Whether it’s the goal of completing your coursework by end of week or completing your degree in a year, you need to set realistic goals for yourself.  This way, you’ll be less inclined to throw in the towel when you face a hectic day.

2.    Participate fully and regularly:  Online courses may be convenient, but they aren’t a shortcut to education. Use the online tools available to you – chats, an online library, office hours with instructors – to get the most from your online coursework.  

3.    Set aside a study area:  Since you will be attending school in a virtual classroom, stake out a study space at home, work or favorite coffee house.  Let others know you are going back to school and share your study hours so they can support and encourage you.  My favorite place to study was at the kitchen table, before anyone else was up – with a cup or three of coffee, of course.

4.    Expect the unexpected:  It’s inevitable: your computer crashes the night your final paper is due. You daughter comes down with the flu the day before a homework assignment must be submitted.  Life as a mom and online student requires setting reasonable deadlines for yourself so you’re not scrambling at the eleventh hour and creating extra anxiety.  

5.    Communicate with your university and network with other students: Being an online student doesn’t mean you won’t have a support system or won’t make friends.  Reach out to instructors or deans when you have questions or concerns just as you would in a live classroom environment.  Check to see if the school you’re considering offers a virtual commons, which can provide ways for students to connect and find other students with similar interests.

Jennifer Ziegenmier is vice president of student management at American InterContinental University, where she oversees the daily student lifecycle operations of AIU working with admissions, financial aid and student affairs to ensure the best possible student experience. She lives in Schaumburg, Ill. with her husband and 10-month-old daughter.