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6 Tips to Help you Work and Study

We get asked this one all the time…can I work and study at the same time? Our answer is YES. All our event courses are designed with the working person in mind. The progressive structure of each course allows you to study, module by module, without feeling overwhelmed. That being said, working while studying can be challenging. Here are 6 tips to help you work and study more comfortably and with a greater sense of ease.

Tip #1 Cut out the crap – study specific content

If you’re time poor, which is nearly every single person who’s studying and working, then it’s important that you choose a course which has specific content. Example: If you’re studying graphic design, what’s the use in studying a philosophy subject? Not that there’s anything wrong with philosophy or learning in general but that kind of learning is for those with a heap of time on their hands. If you’re wanting to be an event manager or you’re already an event pro wanting to upskill, then you need to know ONLY what’s going to get you there. Keep this tip top of mind when researching any event courses.

Tip #2 Set early boundaries – managing time and people

Getting this one right from the get-go can make or break your work/study life. Set specific study times. Put them into your calendar/diary and stick to them. Set an alarm if you have to. Just like work meetings they need to be a priority. Sometimes it’s the last thing you’ll feel like doing but it’s important just to sit down and do something. Even if it’s for 5 minutes. Inevitably, you’ll get a roll on. Oh, and you might want to tell your loved ones about your schedule so they’re mindful of not disturbing your flow (we know this one’s tricky or near impossible if you have kiddies running around).

Tip #3 Know when to ask for help – let yourself be supported

Students are occasionally afraid of asking for help. That’s weird when you think about it isn’t it? You’re a student supposedly learning something that you don’t know much about. You’re allowed to ask questions. You’ve got better things to do than sit there fretting about whether you’re on the right track or not with a particular topic. Communication is key at this point. All colleges have lines of support, some good, some not so good. Read reviews, look at testimonials and ask course advisors about the support systems in place. In our case, we love it when students are communicative and ask for help. The more interaction the better. Remember, no question is a silly question.

Put up your hand if you're in need of help

Know when to ask for help

Tip #4 Something sweet might have to go – and we’re not talking about Tim Tams

Studying is a commitment. And like any commitment that has worth, it can be time sucking. So if you’re already starting from a busy place it’s important that your study has to fit into your schedule somewhere. Where could that possibly be? This suggestion might not suit some but it really worked for me way back when I studied. I woke up an hour earlier than usual and got straight to it. It’s amazing how fresh and uncluttered your brain is right at the moment of waking. You can really smash out a heap of stuff in a very short time. If you’re not sure, try a few different scenarios. But in the end something will have to give. What thing might you have to sacrifice to achieve your study goals?

Tip #5 Get your IT up to scratch – say no to technology headaches

There’s nothing more time consuming and more headache conducing than IT issues. Make sure you know what your IT requirements are before commencing your course and get ahead of the game by being ready well before day one of your course. The great thing about modern technology is that it’s getting easier and easier to use. Ask questions about how the course content will be available to you. Will the content be readily available on computer, phone and tablet? What kind of support systems are available if you have problems? Will there be live webinars? What software will you need for those? TIP: If you are completely new to technology it might be best to start with a nice, short bridging-style course to hone some new tech skills. Check out your local community college for suggestions.

Tip #6 Keep your eye on the prize – set goals and remind yourself often

This one’s probably the most important tip of all. From our experience, it seems that the minute a student loses sight of what they’re trying to achieve is the exact time they hit a wall and become less motivated in their study. You signed up to a course because you wanted to change your life for the better. So, what is it that will help you focus on your goal? Is there a picture you can stick on your wall that will serve as a reminder? Why not start following more events, more event management companies and more event producers on your Instagram account? Watching the feed of event profs on a regular basis will keep the excitement and motivation in the front of your mind. Use visualisation techniques to help you see what it’s going to look like when you’ve found that dream job.

We hope these tips have helped you feel more comfortable about the prospect of working and studying at the same time. Many have achieved their goals. We believe that you can too!

If you would like to chat to any of the CoEM Team pls contact us HERE >> or feel free to call on +61 2 9280 4912. Or you can always compare our specialist event management courses HERE >>

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