The workload at the Institute for Advanced Analytics is fast-paced, with high expectations for quality.
Managing time effectively is key to meeting deadlines while still producing your best work.
With the size and scope of many projects, a proactive approach ensures that I’m not scrambling to finish tasks as deadlines approach.
One of the most valuable strategies I’ve adopted is planning far ahead. At the start of each fall module, I make it a habit to review all major assignments and projects on Moodle and then add them to my Google Calendar. As I better understand the scope of each project, I set soft deadlines using the Google Tasks feature to keep myself on track.
Google Calendar has become essential for staying organized. While I’ve used a paper planner in the past, I find it harder to visualize timelines and project deadlines on paper. Although checking off a to-do list is satisfying, a digital calendar allows me to adjust soft deadlines as needed, making it easier to stay clear on priorities. Here is an example of my Google Calendar on a typical week at the Institute.
This visual representation of my week allows me to see all my deadlines, meetings, and tasks I set for myself on any given day. I will often populate the Tasks section in the morning with small goals to work towards.
For example, one of my goals is to network with one Institute alumni per week. I split this up by messaging them on Monday, setting a meeting for Wednesday, and reaching out to their recommendations on Friday.
You can see an example of my tasks viewed over a three-day period. I often populate my daily tasks the day of to focus my efforts for a given day.
Another thing that this calendar does is it tells me where I can fit in meetings with faculty, homework groups, or networking contacts. Adding deadlines ahead of time allows me to find gaps in my schedule for these meetings easily. However, I usually need to plan them at least a week in advance.
One thing you may notice about my Google Calendar above is that no events are scheduled outside school hours. Another reason I enjoy using a digital calendar is because it helps me separate my school and personal life, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I use a separate written planner for activities outside the Institute to achieve this. Having time away from assignments and deadlines is refreshing, allowing my mind to recharge. I do this by switching to a different Google account at 9:00 pm, signaling the start of my free time. This helps me mentally detach from daily stressors and unwind. Ultimately, I have found that this approach reduces burnout in the long run.
Managing deadlines effectively at the Institute for Advanced Analytics requires a proactive approach and a balance between flexibility and structure. By planning ahead using a digital calendar and incorporating personal strategies for work-life balance, I’ve been able to stay organized, reduce stress, and create time for both academic and personal commitments. Whether scheduling soft deadlines or carving out time to recharge, these methods have helped me stay focused and productive.
Finding the right balance of tools and techniques is key to managing the program’s demands while maintaining overall well-being.
If you want to improve your time management, experiment with digital and physical tools to find what works best for you. And if you’d like to discuss organizational methods and deadline management, feel free to contact me. I’d love to hear your creative approaches.
Columnist: Alex Lin