Throughout your journey as a Full Time student at INCAE, it is important to make sure you are as productive and efficient as possible.
Plan your weeks in advance. Each day check your Google calendar and understand what you will need to do to complete your assignments and readings successfully.
Prioritization is crucial. Generate ideas and identify which readings and assignments are most important or which are closest to submission. Allocate time in your schedule to work on reading cases, depending on your reading speed.
Some people feel more mentally awake in the morning, when there are also fewer distractions, so it works for them to go to sleep early and wake up very early in the morning. Alternatively, you may find that you do your best work in the evenings. Find out what works best for you.
Use your time effectively. Create the right work environment to help you concentrate on your reading, for example, a clear desk in a quiet area. Whenever possible, work in the same space, as this will help focus your mind and encourage good study habits.
Alternatively, you may prefer to change locations, depending on the type of environment you need, for example, using your CAE classroom, the library or your desk in your room.
MBA and MAIT programs require a lot of group work, which can sometimes be quite challenging. Don't underestimate the time it can take for others to turn in work for group projects. Make sure your study group agrees on the work methodology for the different assignments.
Beware of overusing your cell phone. Cell phones have helped us become more time efficient, as we can email, text, call, bank, shop and much more from one device.
However, they can also be addictive and distracting. Set limits on screen time for checking social media. It's better to do a quick stretch or take a walk when you need a break from your task rather than resorting to your phone, as this can result in wasted time.
Avoid wasting time and procrastinating. When you struggle to find the motivation, energy or concentration to start studying, you may find yourself doing things that are counterproductive to your time.
A little procrastination can be okay, as it allows for thought or idea generation. However, you should be mindful if you find yourself spending too much time surfing the Internet, checking your social networks, etc.
As a recommendation: The book Atomic Habits by James Clear is excellent and provides advice on how to develop good habits, in this case, good MBA study habits. The book argues that real change and results come from the cumulative effect of hundreds of small habits. Automatic habits also take the energy and thinking out of starting and performing the task, so the task becomes less stressful as a result.
By Ana Fernanda Molina
anafernanda.molina@alumn.incae.edu
