Margie Dotian AddedFriday, June 9, 2017 at 12:35 AM Can I still pursue my career goal? Hi! My name is Margie and to be a civil engineer is my life goal. However, the moment I entered college I decided to took Business Add and has a plan to shift in civil after 1 year. I took an exam to shift after a year. I passed but there were no more slots for me. My parents told me to continue my studies as a business add student and just study again after I finished my degree. I really wan to study as a civil engineering student after this course but it seems that my parents need me to work after schooling. What should I do? I really want to but I don't know how to pursue the career that I really want. Can you give me an advise? Thanks Related to Choosing a Degree, Civil, Opportunities/Challenges for Women Reset Sort By Default Mavis Okyere , Ghana National Gas Limited Company Answered Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at 5:56 AM Hello Margie, Before applying for the programme, inquire about the universities facilities that come with the working student status. If you are a full time undergraduate student, it is better you do not work more than 15 hours per week during semester. You can also work full time and study on a part-time basis (i.e. attend lecturers in the evenings). Manage your time while working to ensure the job does not affect your academic studies. Let your employer be aware that you are enrolled on a course. Employers will be more sympathetic if you tell them as soon as you can that you can't work on a certain day for academic reasons. Discuss it with your employer in advance. Try to cut down work at exam times. This period can be especially stressful and working part-time might not be a good idea. Take time to relax and unwind after work. Keep a record of your part-time work. Remember you are enrolled on a course of study and this should be your first priority. Always plan ahead and be organized. Don't miss lectures to undertake work. If you miss classes and submit work late or of poor quality will seriously damage your chances of getting a good degree. You can also speak to your Personal Tutor or another academic staff member if you are finding it difficult to combine the demands of work with study commitments. • Inquire about the working methods in your programme of study. Many course units require at least 80% attendance during the semester. Moreover, you will have to participate in the educational activities of the practical course units in order to be allowed to the evaluation. • It is possible to study part-time in order to extend the study duration. • check semester time table at the beginning of the academic year whether you can attend the classes between 8.30 a.m. and 1 p.m., or in the afternoon between 2 p.m. and 6.30p.m or in the evenings. Mavis