London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

As a distance learning student studying Clinical Trials, my week is a constant juggling act, balancing three jobs, study time, and my personal wellbeing. Each day presents a mix of structured tasks, unexpected challenges and valuable learning experiences. Here’s a glimpse into my life as I navigate the exciting yet demanding world of distance learning. 

Managing multiple jobs: a balancing act

Commuting can take anywhere from an hour to two and a half hours, depending on which job I'm heading to that day. My work is spread across three different positions, which is quite common in clinical research due to the nature of funding sources. Some days, I'm at the office, while other days, I get to enjoy the comfort of my home office.

Juggling three different roles in clinical research requires adaptability and focus. My work spans infectious diseases and internal medicine, quality assurance, consulting, and project management. Each position comes with its own responsibilities, but they all interconnect with my academic studies. This practical exposure enhances my coursework, making theoretical concepts more tangible and applicable.

In my role as a quality officer, I am responsible for reviewing and writing standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining quality assurance frameworks. I also provide guidance on legal questions related to contracts and regulatory submissions for studies. This requires keeping up to date with changing guidelines and maintaining communication with relevant authorities.

As a scientific collaborator and project manager, my work is highly diverse. My responsibilities include assisting with grant writing, budgeting, and study setup. I facilitate communication with study sites, handle submissions to regulatory authorities, and review contracts to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. Additionally, I contribute to writing detailed reports, updating and maintaining websites, and providing advice on regulatory questions. There are also numerous smaller tasks that arise daily—part of the everyday business operations—that cannot be listed in detail but are essential to keeping projects running smoothly.

The distance learning programme has been so supportive, offering the flexibility I need to balance work, study, and personal life; while ensuring I have access to the guidance and resources that help me succeed.

Studying: evenings, Fridays, and weekends

After long workdays, shifting into study mode can be tough, but I’ve developed a routine to make it work. My study sessions primarily take place in the evenings, on Friday afternoons, and over the weekends. To stay focused, I create a structured study plan, breaking down coursework into manageable segments. With my current workload, I aim to complete the entire MSc program within three years.

A typical weekly schedule is as follows: On Monday, I work as a Quality Officer and study for an hour on the train and another hour in the evening. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, I work as a Project Manager and study for two hours each evening. On Friday morning, I work as a Consultant/Project Manager and dedicate four hours to studying in the afternoon. The weekend is reserved for studying, handling regular chores, grocery shopping, planning the upcoming week, and spending time with family and friends.

Often, when I encounter a question at work, I check my study materials to find the answer and connect theory with practice. This approach not only helps me reinforce my learning but also ensures that I can apply academic concepts in real-time to my professional work.

This interplay between theory and practice not only deepens my understanding but also makes learning more engaging and relevant. 

Distance learning: a flexible and supportive experience

Distance learning is a fantastic opportunity to study while continuing to work. To start, we had an introduction week, which helped set the stage for the programme. During this week, we got to know the team, the course infrastructure, and the content we would be covering. We were also introduced to the resources available to us, such as the online library and Moodle, which houses all the course materials. This session was a great way to prepare for the courses and ensure we had everything we needed to begin.

All course materials are uploaded to Moodle, which is well-organised and easy to navigate. For each course, there's a module calendar that highlights key dates, helping me stay on track with assignments and exams. Throughout the academic year, there are webinars on the module topics, which are recorded in case I can't attend them live. This flexibility has been incredibly helpful.

In addition to the course materials, the University provides extra resources like the Skills Hub, where I can find support on a range of topics, including time management, digital literacy and more. These resources complement my studies and provide valuable tools to enhance my learning experience.

Whenever I have questions, I can contact tutors and receive prompt support. Regular updates and assistance from CT Support and the Study Team ensure that I stay on track.

Despite studying remotely, I never feel isolated. WhatsApp group chats provide a space to discuss course content, share experiences, and seek advice. These interactions make the learning process more collaborative and motivating.

The distance learning programme has been so supportive, offering the flexibility I need to balance work, study, and personal life; while ensuring I have access to the guidance and resources that help me succeed.

When I encounter a question at work, I check my study materials to find the answer and connect theory with practice.

Maintaining balance

With such a packed schedule, prioritising my mental and physical wellbeing is essential. Daily walks have become my go-to method for clearing my head and resetting my focus. Whether it's a quick stroll around the block or a longer weekend walk, the fresh air and movement help me stay balanced.

Sundays are also my planning days. I schedule study blocks, work commitments, and personal tasks, mapping out the week ahead. Having a clear plan keeps me organised and reduces stress, making it easier to juggle everything.

Balancing work, study, and personal life is an ongoing challenge, but I’ve learned to manage it through organisation and adaptability. It's a continuous process of prioritisation, adjusting to unexpected demands, and making time for personal wellbeing. While some weeks are smoother than others, the sense of accomplishment I feel when everything comes together makes the effort worthwhile.

Don't stress if a planned week doesn’t go as expected—staying flexible and adapting to changes is key to maintaining balance😊.

• Contact Nathalie via our student and alumni ambassadors page.
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