How can Students Maintain a Perfect Work-Life Balance during Internships?
Many people find it difficult to strike a work-life balance, but for college students, a lack of balance may become overwhelming if healthy living and wellness aren't brought into the equation. Balancing academics, co-curricular activities, finances, and other responsibilities in a completely new and unfamiliar environment is a huge adjustment for students who may have grown up in a society where most of their basic needs were met. ​
It's even more vital to strike a work-life balance when students are stressed. It is well recognized that illnesses are more common at college during times when students are under additional stress, such as when studying for exams or completing the numerous papers and presentations needed by professors. We have got you covered if you are having trouble balancing your studies with a job or an internship. Here are a few of our top stress-relieving strategies for working students:-
1. Have Updated Schedule –
This is a fantastic method to make advantage of your phone's calendar option. Take the time to fill in your semester's class schedule as well as any assignment due dates. Make time during the week to focus on things like homework, laundry, and going to the gym. It can be difficult to stick to plans if you work in retail and have a schedule that changes every week. If this is the case, try to plan your week's schedule when you get your work hours.
2. Time Management –
Another issue that many college students experience is being overly involved in too many things and not knowing how to assert themselves by learning to say "no." Time management is especially critical for college students because, if you allow it, college life can eat up all of your free time.
Making time for social events and spending time with friends is critical, but feeling obligated to attend every social event on campus, as well as join one or more of the numerous sports, organizations, and volunteer opportunities available, can leave you feeling fatigued and depleted of vital energy.
The goal is to find activities that make you happy and help you replenish your batteries so you can face your commitments and responsibilities with fresh vigor and a renewed sense of purpose.
3. Be Honest –
Let your internship supervisor know if your internship will interfere with your class schedule, part-time work, or extracurricular activity. Transparent communication is the bedrock of any successful personal or professional relationship. A good boss will understand your desire to fulfill your other duties and will work with you to find a solution. After all, it demonstrates that you will be equally committed to your internship. Consult the corporate calendar and make a proposed schedule before meeting with your employer. You'll demonstrate that you're actually committed to making this work by providing a starting point.
4. Make Work a Priority –
Organize your work in a useful manner depending on the due dates of projects, papers, and other work activities. Routine tasks such as schoolwork and studying are simpler to plan ahead of time, but papers and projects might sneak up on you. Check your syllabus for information on how different assignments are weighted. Important assignments, such as papers and examinations, can create a full letter grade difference in a class. Prioritizing assignments allows you to focus on the most important tasks first, and then tackle smaller tasks later. Knowing you've finished a large assignment and don't have to worry about it hanging over your head can make you feel more balanced and at ease.
5. Work Remotely –
For good reason, remote internships are becoming increasingly popular. A remote internship saves you time and money on commuting while also giving you more freedom and flexibility. If you know your schedule won't allow you to go to the office, narrow your internship search to 100percent virtual positions. Otherwise, ask your internship supervisor if you can complete internet-friendly assignments from your room, such as writing reports or posting on social media.