Led by Yuxuan Zhang, MSBA’24, a collective of CSE Career Captains, Evan Goddard, MSF’24, Djounia Saint-Fleurant, MBA’24 and Andrew Mukurazita, MSBA/MBA’24, compile and share their strategies for keeping the career strategy momentum going during final exams.
Low stress ways to keep up the career momentum during final exams!
“It might be cliché to say, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day.’ However, this adage really does apply to job hunting and career-related activities; they require time and consistent effort. While we often focus intensely on preparing for finals, it’s important not to let career strategizing completely fall off our radar.
Below is a list of suggestions from our Career Captains, who have been in your shoes. We hope our advice will be of value to you.”
– Yuxuan
Stick to small, actionable steps
You are not alone! Balancing a career search with academic responsibilities, especially during finals, can be challenging. However, with strategic planning and efficient time management, it’s possible to effectively navigate this period.
First, prioritize your tasks and set clear goals. Break down your career search into manageable activities such as networking, company research, updating tracking, responding to messages, and preparing for interviews. Allocate specific time blocks for these tasks around your study schedule. When planning, be realistic about the time you can dedicate to each task.
For example, during finals, you might want to prioritize responding to emails or messages over initiating new networking conversations.
They say it’s all about time management, we say it’s also energy management!
In addition to allocating time effectively, it’s crucial to consider your energy levels throughout the day. Assign the more challenging study topics to your peak concentration periods. This could include reviewing academic material or engaging in mock practices when you’re most alert and focused.
Then, strategically plan for career-oriented activities during times when you need a break from studying. This approach ensures that you’re not just spending time efficiently, but also using your energy wisely. For instance, you could respond to recruiters’ messages, explore job opportunities, update your resume, or network during these lighter periods. Balancing your workload in this manner allows you to maintain a sustainable pace.
Leveraging existing resources to save time and energy
Job hunting and career navigation shouldn’t be a solo endeavor. While you are ultimately responsible for your career outcomes, seeking help, especially during stressful times like finals, is wise. The Career Strategies and Engagement Center offers a wealth of resources. In less busy periods, you can receive advice from your career coach by simply scheduling appointments on Handshake. This includes assistance with resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile reviews. Additionally, you can visit to discuss your career concerns, inquire about career opportunities they might know of, or just to make a positive impression. Our staff members are eager to assist in any way they can – all it takes is for you to ask!
Can’t do it now? Do it later!
Save Jobs Application for later. Using job search apps (like Handshake) that send you notifications for new opportunities can be a real-time-saver. When you get that notification, getting organized is the next step. You want to remember that fantastic job opportunity you just read about. Whether you prefer using an Excel sheet or Google Calendar, keeping track of application deadlines and interviews is necessary.
Once finals are over, you can hit the ground running with the job applications that you’ve saved. It’s a simple strategy, but it ensures you’re ready to make the most of opportunities as soon as they come your way.
Take care of yourself
Lastly, remember the importance of self-care and maintaining a healthy balance. Finals are a demanding period, and it’s crucial to avoid burnout. Schedule short breaks for relaxation and ensure you’re getting enough sleep. Make choices that help you prepare for the energy expenditure – eat nutritious food and drink plenty of water to stay nourished and hydrated. This not only aids in academic performance but also keeps you sharp and focused during your career search activities.
By blending these strategies – effective time management, regular networking, leveraging available resources, and self-care – you can maintain momentum in your career search even during the intense period of finals.
Good luck on final exams everyone!
– Yuxuan, Djounia, Andrew, Evan
