Time management 

How does time management differ between university and work? 

At university, students often have peaks and troughs in terms of workload intensity. Usually at university you can focus on one task or assignment but at work you often have to juggle different pieces of work for many different stakeholders. It can be challenging to adapt to a new way of working.  

“Time management- A professional behaviours discussion” 

Finding time for skills and career development  

Giving yourself time to improve skills and think about your career are essential to developing your career, but it can often be difficult to fit this in on top of the demands of everyday working. 

• Plan ahead, don’t be afraid to set aside time to focus on your development. 

• Find a different environment, maybe it's your home, a café, a meeting room or a hotel lobby. By moving location, this can help ring-fence that time to allow you to focus on your development.  

• Most employers will have some form of annual review process, which will allow you to do self-reflection. Allocate yourself more time for self-reflection, if you need it. This will allow you to look back, consider your strengths, weaknesses and areas to improve on. 

Quick tips to improve productivity and have a better work life balance  

• Take short catch-up breaks with colleagues, you can even do this over Teams or Zoom if you are working remotely  

• Try to take time out for lunch – away from your desk 

• Try going outside for a walk before or after your meetings. 

• Hydrate! Drink plenty of cold water during the day it can really help refresh yourself physically and mentally. 

Additional resources  

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How to say “NO” 

Ringfencing time for career development

The 3 top time stealers and how to manage them

"Time management and its importance” resource (No login required)