Key elements of time management for graduate students
It is no secret that graduate students may need tips for managing their time — if students can practice effective time management now, they will carry those strategies into their future. Also, individuals who are not students can benefit from a few time-management pointers.
At the first Grad15 session of 2023, Michelle Quispe, the Health Educator Senior in the Sun Devil Fitness and Wellness Center, provided an overview of this topic, titled, "Time Management: How to Fit it ALL in.”
Michelle did not hesitate to remind students about the dire need to better manage their time; she began the discussion by presenting the alarming statistics specific to ASU students, drawing on data sets collected by the American College Health Association from 2019; our guest speaker informed attendees that 87.6% of ASU students reported feeling overwhelmed by all they had to do. Despite the majority of students feeling pressed for time, the numbers tell a more hopeful story as well – Michelle pointed out that the same study showed that 87.5% of ASU students understand they can succeed if they put their mind to it. These numbers indicate that students feel capable of achieving a goal but realize there will be challenges along the way. Students were reminded that they are not alone in dealing with struggles.
Michelle offered valuable, time-saving tips to attendees.
By focusing on the following eight elements, students can stay on top of their timeliness and accomplish their goals:
- Keep a planner or calendar
- Create a to-do list
- Categorize and prioritize tasks
- Be flexible
- Set boundaries
- Establishing SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timely)
- Ask for help
The goal of this Grad15 session was to leave students feeling empowered to practice what they learned, not only on their journey to a degree, but as they journey through life.
Editor: Marjani Hawkins