Studies through Altech Academy by Shayne Mitchell

Studies through Altech Academy by Shayne Mitchell:

Dear Colleagues,

I have had a few people approach me for information, advice etc. regarding studying through the Altech Academy.

Based on this I collaborated with some of my fellow students to put together a short email. Obviously this is not the company's view, it is Our Take and should be seen in this context.

We (first intake) started our Masters Degree (MSc) via Altech Academy early 2008 and if all goes to plan we should complete the degree early 2010. Therefore my comments below are really based on the Masters Degree program (MSc).

1.If you get offered the opportunity to study - DO IT!
2.The direct impact on your job is 2-3 days out of office every 6 weeks. The direct benefit to your job and the company will far surpass this.
3.The direct impact on your personal life is approximately 3 hours per weekend. Yes, you will have to do the bulk of the work after hours.
4.You will be required to submit an Assignment every 6 weeks. As soon as you arrive for class (before class starts) read through the assignment so that it is top of mind throughout the 2-3 days of lectures. During the lectures engage the lecturer about the assignment. Ask questions, make notes etc. Once the lectures are complete you should have a clear idea, plus notes and a good structure for your assignment.
5.The best advice we can give you is to spend 3 hours on your assignment every weekend - you will Ace it! DO NOT leave it to the last or second last weekend. DO NOT fall behind. This will put pressure on other aspects of your life.
6.Regarding point 5 above i.e. spending 3 hours per weekend on your assignment. Without being too prescriptive we suggest that you wake up early at say 5 or 6 am and you will be finished by 8 or 9 am. This will result in minimum disruption to your family.
7.Form a support group with fellow employees doing the same course and meet once a month for an hour. First read The small black book on plagiarism [ 66 KB ] to esnure that you conduct these meetings in the correct context. They are there for support, advice etc. not to share ideas around the assignment which requires an individual effort.

I hope that this adds some value and good luck!