Professionalism

Time Management 

Time management plays a huge role in professionally presenting yourself during your time in college. Mastering this skill allows you to engage in multiple opportunities and ensure that you are not putting too much on your plate.

1. Keep Track of Tasks and Create a To-Do

There are many ways you can stay organized. You can try a paper planner, a digital app, a calendar, or even a combination of both. Whatever you choose, it’s essential to have a designated place to track tasks and dates that remain consistent.

That being said, don’t be afraid to try a few different methods until you find a routine that works for you.

2. Set a Schedule and Stick to It

Mastering time management means setting aside enough time to study, sleep, and do self-care. After you find a routine that works for you, stick with it until it becomes a habit.

When creating a routine, also remember to include enough transition time for commutes, snacks, and relaxation.

3. Communicate Conflicts

If you know that you will experience a time conflict in your schedule (i.e., a doctor’s appointment during class time), be sure to communicate that conflict as soon as possible. Often, professors, supervisors, and colleagues will be understanding if you give them enough notice to make other arrangements.

4. Minimize and Plan for Distractions During Study Time

Find ways to make sure you’re utilizing your study time free from distractions. Light exercise before studying, setting tangible study goals each session, finding a regular “study spot” where you can always go, and listening to music can help some students focus.

A proven method for effective concentration, known as the Pomodoro Technique, involves 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break.

5. Divide and Conquer

Creating a study group can significantly help your ability to study and retain the information from your classes. Research has shown that explaining something to another person is an effective way to increase retention and understanding of new material. You can also utilize your professor’s office hours for more guidance and direction on assignments.

6. Explore Energizing Ways to Use Your Free Time

What helps you feel refreshed? Is it exercise? Being outside? Hanging out with friends? Reading a book?

Discover the activities that help you relax and make time for them in your schedule.

Purposeful Communication

Communication plays a huge part in your professionalism and how you are perceived! Taking your time and being intentional with your communication can have a significant, positive impact.

Proofread Assignments

Before turning in your assignments, especially papers, proofread them to ensure that the assignment is completed correctly and with accurate grammar and spelling. There are often spellcheck and grammar tools built into word processors that you can use to help you identify any errors. It’s also great to have a peer in the same class who will proofread with you. Also, make sure you review any grading rubrics before and after completing an assignment to confirm that you have provided all of the required content.

Reread Emails

Before sending an email, read through it to make sure all information is accurate and that your wording is correct. A helpful tip is to read your email out loud to check for tone and accuracy.

Use Preferred Titles

When first addressing staff or professors, use “Dr.” or “Mr./Mrs./Ms.” instead of using their first name. If they prefer that you use a different name, they will likely tell you the name that they prefer. It can be helpful to make a note of this in the syllabus.

Reminder: The idea of “professionalism” is going to look different for every person and across different industries. Professionalism is not about the actual job or task that you are completing, but rather your approach to accomplishing it. Use your best judgment, try to communicate and ask questions to the best of your ability, and treat those around you with respect.