Pursuing a Master’s program while managing a full-time role as a Human Resource professional has been one of the most challenging but also one of the most rewarding experiences in my career. Balancing my academic responsibilities with the demands of work wasn’t easy. It took a lot of discipline, time management, and determination to stay on track and give my best in both areas.

Before I could even begin the core modules of the program, I was required to complete two prerequisite courses: Management and Organisational Behavior; Forecasting Methods for Management. These subjects were essential because gave me the fundamental knowledge and analytical skills I needed to succeed in more advanced topics later on.

The classes started on 11th January 2025 and ended on 1st February 2025. Then, just two weeks later, I sat for the final exams on 15th and 16th February 2025. It was a very tight schedule, and managing both work and studies during that time was truly intense.But Alhamdulillah, I stayed focused and committed to my goal and I’m proud to say I passed both subjects with excellent grades. That achievement means a lot to me because it reflects not just academic success, but the perseverance and hard work I put into this journey. More than anything, this experience has strengthened my confidence not only academically, but also in my ability to handle high-pressure situations, whether in the classroom or at work.

The Leadership aspect of my studies has taught me that great HR professionals aren’t just administrator. We are influencers and change makers. One module challenged me to reflect on my own leadership style, and it made me more aware of how I communicate with staff and other department heads. I’ve started to apply active listening techniques, clearer goal-setting, and more structured feedback sessions. This has already improved the way I manage staff grievances and performance reviews.

Communication has always been one of my biggest challenges especially in English, during high-level management meetings. But through class discussions, assignments, and practice , my confidence has grown. I now make an effort to prepare well in advance, organize my thoughts clearly, and deliver my ideas in a way that’s more structured.

Another area that has improved is problem-solving. In real-life HR, we often deal with issues like absenteeism, low motivation, or lack of training. Through my studies, I’ve learned to approach problems more analytically. I now ask: What is the root cause? What data supports this? What are the short-term and long-term solutions? This analytical thinking has helped me propose better policies and training sessions that are data-driven and results-focused.

In summary, this Master’s program is not just shaping my academic knowledge, it’s transforming the way I think, act, and lead in my HR role. Every module offers tools I can apply directly in my job. It’s not always easy juggling both worlds, but the rewards are worth it. I feel more capable, more strategic, and more prepared to grow as a professional who can make a meaningful impact on people and the organisation as a whole.