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7 Tips for Successfully Maintaining a Job while as a Student

As students at The Art Institute of Virginia Beach, branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta, we are dedicated to our work and we know that balancing time between school and financial obligations can be difficult at times. Here are a few tips to help you stay on top of things.

1. Time Management. The one thing that tends to slip away from us most is time. Keeping track of the time needed to do specific tasks is a great way to ensure that everything gets done. The hours that you work at your job may be on a set schedule, so be sure to dedicate the time needed for schoolwork, eating, and sleeping.

2. Try to work close to school. Finding something close to school allows for more flexibility in your schedule as less time will be needed for your commute. It’s important to keep in mind the amount of time and cost spent on travel.

3. Be Realistic. One of the easiest ways to get off track is to convince yourself that you have the time or the means to do something you really don’t. Being realistic is one of the best assets you can have. Allocate your free time to certain personal projects but be realistic about the free time you have. 

4. Apply your experiences to your program. Being able to gain experience related to your field while still in school is invaluable. With every experience, there is always something you can take away from it that can be applied to your field. Whether it be customer service and learning how to relate to people, figuring out how to work as part of a team, or even learning to be punctual and dependable, any experience can be applied to what you will be doing later on in your career. 

5. Don’t Stress. Between your classes, extra activities, and the demands of your job, it may seem easy to get overwhelmed. Be sure to take the time to assess what requires the most attention and have a clear plan to aid you in staying organized. Plan free time for yourself whenever your schedule allows for it. 

6. Find an employer that knows and understands that you are in school. In most situations, it is beneficial for your employer to know that you are a student and to find someone that is willing to work with your schedule with the understanding that it will change over time is important. 

7. Remember the goal—SCHOOL FIRST. When you feel the pressure of your schedule at times, remember you came to school with one goal – to finish. The road to your degree is one that requires focus. 

Students in the Writing for Interactive Media class, an elective at Ai Virginia Beach, wrote this blog post as a project for their class. The students are:
 
• Nicholas Leonard - BFA, Graphic & Web Design
• Heather Goodman - BFA Graphic & Web Design
• Katie Lackert - BFA, Digital Photography