Staying the Course: Navigating the Challenges of Part-time Study

• Title: Staying the Course: Navigating the Challenges of Part-time Study
• Author: Asrif Yusoff
• Published by: University of Malaya Press
• Where to find it: https://www.umpress.com.my/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=935

“Write what you know” is often the advice given to aspiring authors – the aim being that when they put pen to paper what comes out will be not only knowledgeable but an authentic and, hopefully, compelling read.

Authors are also told to write about their passions, the things that make them tick, so that they can pass this enthusiasm onto others.

It is with this attitude that Asrif Yusoff has authored “Staying the Course: Navigating the Challenges of Part-time Study“, a book which has its roots in his own experience of lifelong learning.

Despite admitting being somewhat disengaged with learning as a young adult, personal development has been a core element of Asrif’s life and career so far. After initially earning a BSc in Industrial Engineering, he built a successful 17 year-long career in the energy sector before beginning to question what might come next. The question led him back to the classroom, where he discovered a passion for learning.

Today his academic accolades include a MBA, a MSc in Social Innovation and, most recently, a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) completed over four years at Durham University Business School.

Alongside these academic pursuits, Asrif has also moved into teaching and research. Today, he is Head of Leadership Academy & Principal Specialist (L&D) at PETRONAS Leadership Centre – bringing his education and expertise together seamlessly.

It’s not always been an easy journey. Juggling studies, professional commitments and family responsibilities has been a challenge, but one that Asrif has met with dedication, reflection and realism – and by taking insights and advice from others following similar paths.

And, like all good teachers and leaders, Asrif has endeavoured to share these lessons with others. His book, published last year during his studies, provides a practical guide for aspiring learners to follow.

We sat down with him to find out more…

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your new business book? What motivated you to write it?

I’ve been a part-time student for almost a decade now. Over this period, I had completed my MBA at Imperial College Business School, my Master’s in Social Innovation at Cambridge University, and I’m currently completing my Doctorate in Business Administration at Durham University Business School.

From time to time, I received questions from peers and colleagues about part-time study – specifically about finding the right programme, and balancing work and study. I enjoyed taking these questions so I built a blog as an FAQ about everything part-time study.

Over time, this blog grew into over 50,000 words so I thought it was something worth turning into a book manuscript. A few conversations with publishers later, I received an offer to publish from University of Malaya Press, the oldest university press in Malaysia.

What are the key takeaways or main ideas that readers can expect to find in your book?

My goal is to make continuing education as an endeavour more accessible to aspiring professionals who are considering going back to school. This belief is arising from my own journey as a part-time student as it has been a truly transformative journey for me.

I did not do too well as an undergraduate and couldn’t wait to graduate back then. On my graduation day, I vowed to never go back to school. A few years into working, however, I felt like breaking the monotony of work and challenging myself. What better way than going back to school?

After completing my MBA, I felt that the university experience as an adult learner was different. Things made more sense and I was able to engage more constructively with faculty and classmates. I got hooked onto learning and progressed from one programme to another.

From someone who hated learning, I became someone who couldn’t get enough of it. There is nothing special about me undergoing this transformation, thus I want others to take the first step towards lifelong learning as well. You will never know where it will take you!

Who is the target audience for your book, and how do you believe it will benefit them?

The book was originally intended for professionals like myself who are considering part-time study. I wish I had something like this book when I was finding my way back in 2014.

The literature on postgraduate study is in abundance, but specific content on part-time study is not as accessible. I thought there was a market to address there. Today, I’ve received notes from readers who are not only working professionals, but also entrepreneurs and also retirees.

What do you think makes this topic particularly relevant or timely in today’s business world, or for the years ahead?

Beyond the guidance and advice on managing work and study, my goal is to instil a growth mindset among the readers. Lifelong learning is about inculcating a belief that anchors on the power of curiosity. I believe it resides within us all and I hope the anecdotes and examples that I share within the book could be inspiring to those who aim to grow personally and professionally.

Can you discuss any specific case studies or real-world examples from your book that illustrate its principles in action?

The book was written as a journey of the end-to-end experience of undertaking part-time study. This includes defining a purpose, identifying an institution or programme, selecting a delivery format, managing time across commitments, and building network across the university ecosystem.

The aim is to position it as a practical handbook that is with you in every step of the way.

I also spoke to more than 50 people of different backgrounds who pursued part-time study, as part of my research for the book. At the end of each chapter, I included meaningful quotes from these inspiring individuals. These include a retiree who began his PhD at the age of 50, a factory worker who did part-time master’s, and an engineer who studied to become a lawyer part-time.

I spoke about this study in my TED talk.

How does your book add to/expand existing discussions on this topic?

Conversations on part-time study is not as vast as conversations on continuing education as a whole. The common denominator among people who undertake this route of learning is the range of challenges that they face. This includes managing time between work and study, attending to family commitments, and taking care of oneself throughout the learning journey.

I wanted to humanise this experience, to illustrate how acceptable it is to face challenges along the way. I wanted to highlight how learning can be a lonely journey but help and support is always there from institutions, organisations, and individuals around us.

Can you provide some practical tips or strategies from your book that readers can immediately apply to improve their business or career?

• You are never too old for continuing education

I did my MBA at the tender age of 32, eight years after I began working. On my first day of class, I realised that I was nowhere near the oldest in the cohort. I was probably in the middle. For me, studying as an adult enabled me to make better sense of what was being discussed in the classroom. In fact, most MBA programmes require at least three years of working experience.

• Part-time is the way to go, but it’s not for everyone

Studying while working is great because you get to immediately put theory into practice. What you learn on Sunday, you can immediately apply on Monday. Granted, your subject is relevant to your job. As much as I advocate for part-time study, however, I do realise that it’s not for everyone. To help you decide, start with these three questions: Do I have the time? Do I have the money? Do I have the energy?

• Communication is key

If you do take the part-time route tell your partner, family and employer. Giving them a heads-up would be helpful when you need to be alone to do assignments, miss a gathering, or take study leave. Most people would understand and give space. There was a point when both my wife and I had back-to-back exams, so we took turns keeping the kids at bay!

Finally, what book written by another author would you consider essential reading for your audience and why?

“So Good They Can’t Ignore You” by Cal Newport because it challenges the popular notion of following your passion. I like how the book promotes a mindset of continuous improvement in finding what you are good at and building upon it. This resonates with my because my keenness for learning was not something that was inherent in me, but built over time through a process of discovery and exploration.

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