Top 10 tips for working adults earning online degrees 

Find out Purdue Global alum Daniel Aveline’s best advice and tools to help you meet your education goals 

For all the working adults, parents, first-generation students or those simply looking for some guidance while pursuing an online degree, we have the perfect list to help get you started. And there’s no one better to share what works than a recent Purdue Global graduate. 

Daniel Aveline climbed his way up at Bob Rohrman Auto Group, from cleaning cars to his current position as a finance team lead manager. Outside of his day job, he’s dad to his 3-year-old daughter and co-owns a craft alcohol company called BuzzWorthy Mead. Inspired by the thought of becoming an example to his then-newborn daughter while advancing his career, Aveline decided in 2021 that it was time to earn his bachelor’s degree in data analytics from Purdue Global. When his wife saw how flexible her husband’s program was, she decided to earn her degree with Purdue Global, too. As first-generation graduates, the couple walked across the stage together during fall 2024 commencement.  

Having blazed a trail in his own family as a working parent, business owner and first-generation graduate, here are Daniel Aveline’s top 10 biggest pieces of advice for fellow online students: 

1. Time management

 “The biggest piece of advice I have is the importance of time management. Make sure you have a plan.” 

Aveline made it clear that with his busy personal and professional life, nothing is more important than time management. It can be hard balancing everything, but it’s possible if you prepare, plan and adapt.  

2. Locate all the pieces

 “Another one of my biggest tips is just learning where things are at. Your books, how to access rubrics and seminars. I would do that before anything else.” 

You start out stronger when you know where things are located. Being familiar with an online platform can be a challenge, so if you tackle that first, you are set up for success throughout your program.

3. Do your research and be realistic 

“If I could tell my past self one thing, I would say to look into the curriculum, future classes and the different concentrations within the degree so you know how to manage your time. I was taking four courses at first, but that was too much with my job and daughter.” 

Make sure you are taking full advantage of the path you have chosen. Purdue Global offers many concentrations that can move you forward, so it’s beneficial to know what’s offered before settling on a degree path. It’s also important to look ahead at the course load. Be honest with yourself about how much your schedule can handle; it’s OK to slow down or speed up.

4. Be assured you’re in good company 

“Purdue Global is set up perfectly for parents.”  

Aveline emphasized how important it is for parents to use the available tools. His decision to go back to school was fueled by his desire to be a role model for his daughter, so he appreciated that Purdue Global was built for working parents like him. He could guarantee he had family time before focusing on seminars that started at 8 p.m.

5. Devote an hour every day 

“I always set aside at least an hour a day — even if it’s when I have everything done. It helped me stay on track.”  

Aveline always made sure he had an hour a day to focus on his schooling. If he had all of his assignments done, he would use it to plan his week or get ahead on the next one. It’s easy to fall behind with life’s many distractions, so setting aside time like this could help you stay motivated and on schedule.  

6. Set goals, no matter how small 

 “I always wanted to get everything done before Saturday. Planning my schedule out every week helped me not be overwhelmed. Do what is attainable for you.” 

To ensure he could graduate on time, Aveline set goals every week. While everyone’s work and home life are different, it’s critical to set goals for the day, week, month or whatever works best for you. Even setting small goals can have a big payoff.  

7. Use Purdue Global’s tools 

“Make sure you take advantage of Purdue Global’s tools, like career advisors. They do things like look at your résumé, help you improve it, help you look for jobs and improve your LinkedIn. Before my advisor looked at mine, I had nothing on my LinkedIn.”

Purdue Global knows working adults. Aveline made use of his advisors, who were there to help make the journey easier. Also be sure to check out the Center for Career Advancement, Center for Prior Learning Recognition, Academic Success Center and Student Services. 

8. Don’t be afraid to ask for help 

“Work with your advisors and check in with them regularly. They want you to succeed. They even congratulated me when I graduated!” 

Your academic journey doesn’t have to be undertaken alone, so be sure to speak up and reach out if you need that extra helping hand or motivational boost.  

9. Have a dedicated workspace 

“I worked in offices at work or used my home office. Anywhere you can limit distractions and have some quiet will help you get the work done.” 

Aveline stressed the importance of having a dedicated workspace. Focus is something any working adult struggles to maintain, and a space at home can serve you well in the midst of life’s distractions. 

10. Time management … again 

When asked if he had a final piece of advice for adults earning their online degree, Aveline only wanted to reiterate his No. 1 tip: Manage your time and don’t waste it! It’ll be worth it in the end. 

“It can be hard to separate family time and work from online school, but it’s important. When you’re devoting three to four years of your life to a degree, you want to be sure you’re dedicated to it and that it is worth it.”

When you’re devoting three to four years of your life to a degree, you want to be sure you’re dedicated to it and that it is worth it. 

Daniel Aveline BS data analytics ’24, Purdue Global