Handling a job while applying to graduate school isn’t easy, but with the right approach, it’s absolutely achievable.
Applying to grad school requires a major investment of time and focus. When you’re already working full-time or managing multiple obligations, it may feel like you’re constantly running out of hours in the day. Between work demands, family commitments, and commuting, carving out meaningful time for applications can seem daunting. Still, every year many busy professionals, caregivers, and students successfully make it happen.
The secret isn’t nonstop grinding, it’s smart planning. With a thoughtful strategy and realistic expectations, you can steadily move through the application process without overwhelming yourself. Below are four practical tips to help you stay on track and put together a strong application.
1. Start Faculty Outreach Early and Make It Strategic
Reaching out to potential faculty mentors is one of the most impactful steps in preparing graduate school applications. These conversations help you identify programs that genuinely match your research interests and strengthen your positioning during admissions. But with work hours often overlapping faculty availability, coordinating meetings can become challenging.
Justin Pincar, who is conversant with the application calendar because of his role as the Managing Director of Achievable, said you should begin communicating with potential advisors as early as the spring before your intended application cycle. Faculty schedules tend to be less packed earlier in the year, and you’ll have more flexibility to coordinate around your own work hours. Even if you’re a year or more away from applying, introducing yourself now can lay the groundwork for meaningful relationships later.
If you’re already in the midst of applying, consider alternative ways to connect. Some faculty members may be open to answering questions asynchronously through email or arranging brief conversations outside standard office times. Also remember: graduate students in the lab can offer incredibly useful insight into mentoring styles, expectations, and program culture, especially if faculty meetings are hard to schedule.
2. Plan Your Application Timeline Around Your Life
If your schedule is already packed, the typical “start in the fall, submit in the winter” timeline may not be feasible, and that’s completely okay. Many strong applicants extend their preparation timeline to make the process more sustainable.
If you feel rushed, think about applying for the next academic year instead. Beginning your planning in January gives you nearly a full year to distribute major tasks like contacting faculty, researching programs, outlining essays, and drafting statements. A longer runway reduces pressure, helps you avoid late-night scrambling, and allows you to develop thoughtful, polished materials.
This isn’t about postponing your goals. It’s about putting yourself in the best possible position to succeed. A well-crafted application submitted later will always be stronger than a rushed version submitted now.
3. Create Space for Your Goals and Communicate When You Can
If you’re applying during the next cycle, you may have more freedom to share your plans with your employer. In some cases, discussing your grad school aspirations with your supervisor can open the door to occasional flexibility for virtual interviews, campus visits, or advisor meetings. Many employers are surprisingly encouraging, especially when given advance notice.
That said, not everyone will feel comfortable being open about their plans, and that’s completely understandable. Even without disclosing anything, you can still build room into your schedule. Consider requesting personal days or using vacation time specifically for application-related activities. Planning these breaks ahead of time can make the entire process feel much more manageable.
4. Protect Your Mental Health Throughout the Process
When you’re balancing full-time work and application deadlines, it’s easy to slip into a mindset of “just push through it.” But prioritizing your mental health is essential. High stress levels can lead to burnout, decreased motivation, and lower-quality application materials.
Remind yourself that the application process is a long-distance effort, not a sprint. If your current responsibilities feel overwhelming, choosing to apply a cycle later is not failure. It’s a proactive choice that gives you the space to submit your strongest possible application.
Your ultimate goal is not only to earn admission but also to begin graduate school with confidence and a sense of readiness.
5. Lean on Your Support System
Juggling a full-time job, graduate applications, and personal responsibilities can become overwhelming if you try to shoulder everything on your own. Being honest with the people in your life—friends, family members, and even trusted coworkers—can make a tremendous difference. Let them know about your shifting schedule and the times when you may need extra space or occasional help. Clear communication keeps expectations realistic and prevents misunderstandings as your workload intensifies.
Your support network also includes those who understand the graduate school journey firsthand. Connecting with classmates, mentors, or faculty members can be incredibly grounding, especially when you are wrestling with challenging concepts or navigating unfamiliar steps in the application process. Knowing you have people you can turn to makes the journey feel far less isolating. And remember, support should go both ways—make yourself available to encourage others who are navigating similar demands.
Scott Whear, who completed his Master of Science in Project Management at Northeastern, initially worried that pursuing an advanced degree while maintaining his career would be exhausting. However, he soon discovered the value of a strong community. “With all the resources and committed staff that Northeastern has, you’re getting the cream of the crop to help you every step of the way,” he shares.
Building and nurturing meaningful connections—professionally and personally—takes effort, but the payoff is substantial. A reliable support system can significantly improve your graduate school experience and make balancing academic goals with a demanding career far more achievable.
Bottom line
Applying to graduate school while working full-time is demanding, but entirely doable. With a thoughtful plan, realistic pacing, and a commitment to your well-being, you can make consistent progress and submit applications that truly reflect your capabilities, without sacrificing your personal balance.
Employers recognize the value of advanced education as well. CareerBuilder reports that one-third of companies now prefer candidates with master’s degrees for roles traditionally filled by bachelor’s graduates. Demand for graduate-level professionals is expected to rise sharply, about 17% through 2026, which is the fastest growth across all education levels. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also notes that individuals with master’s degrees typically earn more and experience lower unemployment than those with only an undergraduate degree.
If you’re still on the fence about pursuing a graduate degree, rest assured that with proper planning and focus, managing grad school and work will be easier than you think. And in today’s competitive job landscape, earning a master’s degree offers clear advantages—allowing you to gain deeper expertise, move more easily into senior roles, increase your earning power, and grow a strong professional network.
