Imagine the elation coursing through you as you secure admission to the esteemed Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife, ready to embark on your chosen academic journey. The sheer joy radiates from your face, visible even to the blind. Picture yourself, buoyant and leaping across your room in sheer excitement. Yet, amidst the jubilation, a sudden realization grips you: the date slated for the school screening and clearance coincides with a colossal tech event unfolding in your community – an event you've always yearned to attend. The prospect of missing out on this opportunity sends a pang through you. It hits you like a sudden jolt - could pursuing your coveted degree potentially come at the cost of the burgeoning tech career you've just embarked upon? Or, is there a way to reconcile both aspirations?
But wait, before you resign yourself to a clash of dreams, consider this: the intersection of academics and technology isn't a roadblock but a fertile ground for innovation. Can you find a way to harmonize the rigors of your academic schedule with the opportunities the tech event presents?
In this blog post, we'll explore practical tips and strategies to help you make the most of your time and strike a balance between university life and a burgeoning tech career.
Set Clear Goals: Start by establishing clear short-term and long-term goals. Define your academic objectives, career aspirations, and the steps needed to achieve them. Be clear about the kind of academic grade you want to achieve and what tech goals you want to hit while in school. A goal will sound like this "I want to finish the semester with a cumulative average of 80% while completing two short tech courses and building at least one pet project". Having a roadmap will give your time management efforts purpose and direction.
Prioritize Tasks: Identify tasks based on urgency and importance. Use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. Focus on tasks in the first two quadrants to ensure that you address priorities first. Always prioritize your academic work, you can do this by reading ahead for tests and exams, and then, you could create time for some tech activities.
Create a Schedule: Develop a daily, weekly or monthly schedule that includes class timings, study sessions, and designated time for your tech pursuits. Allocate specific time blocks for coursework, personal projects, and relaxation. A well-structured schedule will help you stay organized and make the most of each day.
Blend Academia with Technology: Embrace the synergy between your academic pursuits and the tech world. Are there ways to incorporate the tech event into your coursework or projects? Consider leveraging your university resources to blend these two facets of your life, turning a potential conflict into a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary learning.
Utilize Productivity Tools: Leverage productivity tools and apps to streamline your tasks. Calendar apps, to-do lists, and project management tools like Trello or Asana can help you keep track of assignments, deadlines, and personal projects. Set reminders to ensure you don't miss important dates.
Learn to Say No: Recognize your limits and be selective about the commitments you take on. While it's essential to explore opportunities, overcommitting can lead to stress and a decline in the quality of your work. Politely decline additional responsibilities if your plate is already full. Not every school hangout is necessary, if the time can be reinvested in completing a design project(if you are a designer)
Network and Seek Mentorship: Finally, connect with professionals in the tech industry and seek mentorship from those who have successfully navigated both university and a tech career. Networking can provide valuable insights and open doors to opportunities that align with your goals.'
In conclusion, never end or let your tech career suffer because you are in school, always look for a way to carry the two along. A tech post each week, a tech project every two weeks, a tech event(virtual or onsite) each month and more are ways to sustain the energy.