Having work experience in your chosen industry is often essential to landing your first step on the career ladder. But it can also be a real balancing act; if you're still studying for your degree and attempting to intern on the side, learning to manage your time and prioritise your responsibilities is key. Here are five tips that might help.
1.Be vocal about your commitments
Communication is key in every area of your life - university and work included. Your lecturers and managers are there for support as well as to teach and delegate, so make them aware of the balancing act you've taken on. Workloads can build up regardless of where you are in your career, so don't wait until you feel overwhelmed to bring it up. Talk to your lecturers about how to manage your time, and your employee about outstanding commitments to university that you might have, and your initiative and desire to succeed will shine through.
2. Make sure you're being paid
Because the incentive will no doubt help you to manage your time properly. In 2018, the government teamed up with HMRC to remind employers that interns are regarded as workers, and must receive a salary that meets the minimum wage guidelines. With this in mind, familiarise yourself with the law before accepting an internship, and read your contract thoroughly - do not be afraid to ask questions to clarify details about payment.
"It is really common for students to undertake an internship whilst at University", David Baddeley at Scottish Trust Deed says. "However, I am always surprised by the number of students who contact me not knowing that they should be paid the national living wage at least."
3. Prioritise a good sleep
Juggling university and an internship will make for a busy schedule. Late night essay writing and long days at work can have a detrimental effect on our sleep, which in turn can impact quality of work. So while you're doing your internship alongside your degree, you might need to prioritise sleep over other activities, so you can fit in your zzzzz.
"Studies have found that the eyes require at least 5 hours of sleep in order to function to their full potential’, says PureOptical. "Such physical and psychological effects mean that sleep should be a major priority for any student, especially when undertaking an additional internship. Structure your days by assigning precise times to each task that must be completed that day. Allocate ‘down time’ that ensure there is enough time to rest and prepare for a quality nights sleep. Throughout this time, stay away from screens and of course, caffeine."
4. Still make time for your social life
While sleep is of the height of importance, so is doing things that make you happy, so attempt to find that allusive work/life balance by committing time to socialising or self care each week. Whether it be family time, heading to the latest student night or even spending time on your own catching up with Netflix, schedule it in in the same way you would other plans.
"It is proven that sufficient down time enhances productivity and sparks creativity" says health specialist Jordan Carter at Gear Hungry. "Burnout is effectively chromic stress. Gone are the days where if you are seen to work long hours it must mean that you are great at your job. Nowadays, workplaces tend to be results driven with a focus on the quality of work produced, not the quantity. Do not feel guilty about taking some time out for yourself, it will benefit your all aspects of your work."
5. Know when to press pause
If your degree is suffering due to poor time management, not enough hours in the day or burnout, do not be afraid to take a break from interning. Communicate this with your internship and approach the possibility of take some time out and returning at a later date. If this is not possible, explore the likelihood of lowering your working hours. "Taking a break may effect your finances but this doesn’t have to be considered a negative," says Baddeley’. "No matter where you are in life, you should reassess the way you budget and amend accordingly. Less money does not mean that you have to suffer if you rework the way in which you spend." Plus, your mental health shouldn't suffer for the sake of your income - your wellbeing has to be more important.
