University-Based Commerce and Workforce Engagement
In the dynamic world of higher education, college students often find themselves juggling academic responsibilities with work commitments. A well-planned and mindful approach can help students maximise career opportunities and personal growth. Here are key strategies supported by recent insights:
1. Organize and Prioritize Using a Planner
Utilise a weekly planner or digital calendar (such as Google Calendar) to map out classes, work shifts, deadlines, and study blocks. Colour-coding activities helps quickly visualize your commitments and identify available time, helping avoid last-minute cramming and forgotten tasks[1][4].
2. Prioritize Tasks by Urgency and Impact
Focus on the most urgent and difficult assignments first to make the most of limited study time. Use principles like the 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle) to concentrate on the 20% of tasks that yield 80% of the results, helping maximize productivity[1][5].
3. Break Study Sessions into Short, Focused Intervals
Instead of long study marathons, adopt techniques like Pomodoro—25-30 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break. Shorter sessions improve retention and fit better into busy schedules[1].
4. Communicate with Employers and Seek Support
Discuss your academic goals with your manager to explore flexible scheduling or accommodations. Also, ensure you have family or social support, which boosts motivation and creates a supportive environment for balancing responsibilities[3].
5. Take Care of Your Well-being
Schedule regular breaks and days for self-care to avoid burnout. Maintaining mental health is crucial for sustained performance both at work and school[3].
6. Leverage Work Experience for Career Growth
Working while studying offers valuable benefits such as earning extra money, gaining professional experience, networking, and developing transferable skills that directly enrich career prospects[2].
7. Maintain an Organized Study Environment
Keep your study space tidy and free of distractions to enhance focus during study periods, contributing to effective learning[4].
By combining strategic planning, focused study techniques, communication, and self-care, students can not only manage their demanding schedules but also maximise their career readiness and personal development throughout college[1][2][3][4][5].
Part-time jobs for students often include library work, tutoring, jobs located near class locations, and off-campus jobs like waiting tables, retail work, or childcare. Students should set goals and create a plan to stay focused while choosing jobs appropriate for their experience level[6].
The college years can have a significant impact on both a student's professional and personal life, teaching valuable skills such as conflict management and creativity. College campuses offer resources for students starting businesses, such as mentoring programs, discussion groups, and workshops on business strategy[7].
[1] - https://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2013/09/05/the-most-effective-way-to-study-according-to-science/?sh=5f0682a321e8 [2] - https://www.ncee.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/The-Impacts-of-Working-While-in-College.pdf [3] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5125970/ [4] - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-procrastination-equation/201506/the-power-chunking [5] - https://www.forbes.com/sites/aliceheiman/2016/09/08/the-8020-rule-and-the-power-of-focus/?sh=3b5a84731135 [6] - https://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report/2019/part-time-jobs [7] - https://www.sba.gov/colleges-universities/entrepreneurship-education/college-and-university-resources
- To excel in their career development, students should consider starting a business while in college, taking advantage of campus resources such as mentoring programs, discussion groups, and workshops on business strategy [7].
- A well-rounded education doesn't just include academic subjects; skills-training in education-and-self-development, like conflict management and creativity, are equally important for career success [7].
- For students aiming to start-ups, it's crucial to acquire a balanced set of skills through finance, business, and career-development courses [1].
- Instead of aiming for high-paying jobs requiring advanced degrees, students might consider focusing on part-time work with businesses that offer training and opportunities for skills development, paving the way for long-term career advancement [6].
- Understanding the importance of product/market fit, students pursuing startups should keep their opinions open and be willing to learn from experienced professionals in the field [3].
