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The top time management tips for international students that improve your employability

While in the midst of winter it can be hard to find motivation, especially when faced with cold days and dark nights. From university assignments and graduate job searches, to keeping in touch with friends and family, there’s a lot to consider, but having a plan to manage your time can help give structure and make you more productive.

Whether still in your first year of study, or your last, working out the best way to manage your time will not only help you succeed at university but allow you to build skills that will take you into your career after university. We’ve put together some ideas for how to make the best use of your time and how those skills can be used when it comes to finding your first job.

Make a list 

Making a list of what you need to achieve allows you to see what you’re up against so you can work out where to start. Include not only your assignments but other tasks you might need to complete and leave time for socialising. Prioritse your list by working out when each item needs to be completed so you can schedule your time effectively. Writing a list will give you a clear visual of what you need to do and can also help you decide which items are not as time sensitive. You can also use this list to plan for the academic year. Is there something else you would like to do to increase your employability this year? If so, add that to the list too. By including that this term you would like to find a volunteering opportunity or an internship will help you make time for these activities.  When setting your goals, it’s important to be realistic about what you will be able to complete in a set time period.

Find a productive space 

There are some spaces where we feel motivated to work and then there are others that have the opposite effect. Think about where you have been able to feel focused. If you feel most productive in the library, or perhaps the desk in your room is a quieter space for you then make that your area to work. Ideally find an area with minimal distractions where you can make the best use of your time. Not everyone studies best alone,  if that’s the case for you then create study sessions with your course mates if this will help your motivation and reduce procrastination. Understanding where you work best could also help you when finding a graduate role.

All work and no play can be counter-productive. In order to reduce procrastination, give yourself some time off. Whether that’s a break built into your day or ensuring that you include meeting friends or skyping family members as a way to reward yourself for the hard work. 

Take note of your skills

 When you’ve started ticking off your to-do list, use your list to recognise the skills you’re building up. For example, having an overhaul of how you manage your time requires planning, self motivation and organisation. These are soft skills which can be used to sell your skillset when applying for graduate jobs. Making a note of some of the achievements you make each year no matter how small, can help with your employability. By logging these as you go, when you start to apply for jobs these can be used to build your application and fill it with the talents you have acquired throughout the year. When it comes to creating a resume, find all the help you need with GradLink’s CV tool, GO-CV! By registering on the site you’ll gain access to our global jobs page, free careers advice and connections to the top employers.