This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Chapel Hill chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
School is back in full swing and you’ve decided to get a leg up on the competition by taking on an internship this semester. Congratulations, you’ve beat out scores of applicants and secured an enviable position at a company that will offer you greater experience in your desired career path. Even though you have a great semester ahead, you may be a little worried. After all, how will you balance classes, clubs, volunteer work, social life, interning and still manage to sleep? Sure, balancing it all can seem like a daunting task but it isn’t as hard as it may seem. Smart time management skills are the key. Learn how to stay on top of it all with these tips:
- Create a schedule. Using calendar tools on your smart phone, email account or planner will help you keep track of schoolwork and due dates, club meeting times and social gatherings. Having it all in one place makes it easy to “pencil in” and keep track of future engagements.
- Schedule “me” time. In the hustle and bustle of a busy college schedule, personal time is the first thing to get the boot! Stop the madness and schedule time for yourself to relax, work out, paint your nails or catch up on your favorite television show. Despite your crazy schedule, you’ll maintain your sanity and your body will thank you.
- Prioritize. Remember what is important to you. Order your tasks from most important to least important. Is Zumba class more important than volunteering at the animal shelter? Does your internship take precedence over your elective class? These are the decisions you’ll have to make. Keep a list of commitments in order of importance and stick to it.
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·Stay Flexible. Things happen. Always be prepared for the unexpected. How will you accommodate an extra paper if your professor springs one on you? What if you asked to cover an extra shift at work? What happens if you get sick? Don’t spread yourself too thin. Get rid of your rigid schedule and adopt a more flexible one.
- Sign Off. Log off of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Skype. Pry your thumbs off the keypad of your Blackberry and end the Angry Birds game on your iPad. We’re so connected to our electronics and the Internet that it can get overwhelmingly distracting. Cut out the white noise and focus — really focus — on whatever task you’re tackling. You’ll finish it quicker and more thoroughly than you would if you were uploading pictures to Facebook and video-calling your friends at home at the same time.
- Work Hard, Play Hard. Don’t forget to enjoy all that you do. Immerse yourself in the subject matter of the classes you handpicked. Absorb knowledge from the professionals you’re surrounded by at your internship. Engulf yourself in the stories of the people you volunteer with. Party like a rock star. It’s what college is all about.
How do you create balance in your busy schedule? Tell us by commenting below.