Online students often juggle a full-time job and family obligations while working toward their degrees. It can become overwhelming very quickly, so having personalized support from university staff is critical. That’s where a success coach comes in.
Many online colleges offer coaching programs as a way for students to feel connected to the larger institution and its resources. Arizona State University‘s ASU Online, for example, launched a dedicated student success center to connect students with a success coach who can support them in achieving their academic and personal goals.
The level of support and engagement varies from student to student. From offering time-management and study-habit tips to providing inspiration and encouragement, coaches are essential to helping a student get to the finish line.
[Read: 3 Ways a Coach Can Benefit Online Students.]
Here are the most popular questions ASU Online’s success coaches receive from online students who are working toward their degree.
What is your best advice for creating productive study habits? As an online student, it’s crucial to build a schedule that incorporates schoolwork into everyday life and stick to it.
Setting aside a specific number of hours each week or even each day for school will keep students organized and on a consistent schedule.
Aside from creating a schedule, it’s important to find a study environment that is free of distractions. Students must separate their personal life from their study space. For some, that means designating a room within their house, while for others it means going to the neighborhood coffee shop for a few hours.
Another study habit that works for many students is starting the week with a to-do list that accounts for all class deadlines and important events. Starting a week off with a task list can make all the difference when life gets busy.
[Read: Find a Mentor as an Online Bachelor’s Student.]
How do you recommend I start the career planning process? Your degree is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to planning a career. The first step in determining your career path is identifying your interests and passions.
Whether you’re looking to further a current career path or start from the ground up, doing the research and talking to others within your field of interest is a great place to start. Speaking with someone currently in the job can provide worthwhile perspective.
Additionally, it’s important to take advantage of the tools and resources offered by career services. Your success coach is there to help connect you with the right people to address and support your career aspirations.
[Read: 3 Things to Know About Working While Getting an Online Degree.]
What are the most effective ways for me to communicate with my success coach? As an online student, it may feel difficult to build real connections with professors, peers and even your success coach when you’re not meeting face-to-face. Speaking to your success coach over the phone is the best way for both the student and coach to get to know each other.
Some students may prefer to communicate via email or an online chat feature, but sometimes hearing a voice on the other end can be worthwhile. It’s up to the student’s preference, but it’s important to remember that the success coach’s job is to be a personal resource.
The takeaway: Part adviser, part motivator and supporter, success coaches are there to help students through each step. Earning a degree is hard work, but online students don’t have to go it alone. The advice online students receive from success coaches is often the reason they make it to graduation day.
More from U.S. News
Consult Student Services Before Starting an Online Degree Program
Consider Taking Online Courses as an On-Campus Student
4 Ways to Communicate With Professors in Online Courses
3 Tips for Online Students From Success Coaches originally appeared on usnews.com
