Written by: Yagya Joshi, Work Integrated Program Support Intern
I asked some of the CWIL staff to share their best tips on time management! As we get into the season of midterms and deadlines for co-op positions coming up thick and fast, it can feel intimidating to juggle multiple tasks at once. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be, time management is about finding the right system for you to keep yourself on track. Here are a few tips from our office to help you get started:
"You don’t need to be naturally organized since these skills can be learned and practiced. What helps is setting systems to manage time effectively. For example, for resume building, I use a table with columns for the CARL formula—context, actions, results, learned outcomes—and quickly jot down noteworthy experiences as they happen. Later, I refine them for a resume or interview using GenAI to polish. In my experience, preparing in advance for challenging tasks prevents overwhelm and makes the work more manageable."
-Justin Pritchard, MBA Career Coach & Educator
Time management isn’t just about getting things done or squeezing more into the day. It’s about finding a rhythm that feels sustainable while creating space for what matters most. Planning the week ahead using tools like Google Calendar can be really helpful as it keeps tasks, classes, and deadlines organized and easy to see. Having everything laid out takes a lot of pressure off because you know what’s coming, so it’s easier to stay focused and not feel rushed at the last minute. Just don’t forget to schedule time for yourself too, whether that’s resting, spending time with friends, or doing something that clears your head. Staying productive is great, but it means a lot more when you’re taking care of yourself along the way.
-Dasmesh Singh Puri, Careers and Experiential Learning Intern
“Energy, not time, is the fundamental currency of high performance” ~Jim Loehr. It doesn’t matter how much time you put into planning the perfect itinerary for a trip if you don’t have any gas in the tank (or charge in your battery) to get you there. So rather than focusing on time management, shift to focusing on energy management and ask yourself what drains your energy, and what gives you energy. Then look at that list and identify what you have control over, what you don’t, and where you need to work on boundaries so that you have access to more consistent energy.
-Tiffany Baker, MBA Career Coach & Educator
"Plan, plan, plan. It is super important to plan ahead of time and map out your schedule. Using tools such as Google Calendar and Notion is very helpful with creating visual aids and tracking tasks. Don’t forget to include breaks and self-care time so you don’t get burnt out!"
-Meng yang Li, Community Engagement Intern
Plan out Your Day: Schedule your day and set aside time for specific types of tasks. While this advice may appear straightforward, task scheduling goes a long way in enabling you to produce your best work. Consider not only what tasks you need to prioritize but also what time of the day you do your best work. Plan to your strengths.
-Michelle Height, Career Education Coordinator
"Start by identifying your personal habits, preferences, and goals—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to time management. Try out different strategies such as using a digital calendar, setting reminders for important tasks, or writing a to-do list on paper. The key is to experiment and find what works best for you. If a method isn’t helping you stay organized or productive, don’t be afraid to switch it up."
-Parker Gehring, Experiential Learning Programs Support Intern.
Break big tasks into smaller steps and use a planner or app to schedule them. Prioritize what's most important each day, and set realistic deadlines. Stay flexible—plans may change, but consistency and self-awareness will keep you on track. Don’t forget to build in breaks and time to recharge!
-Ciara Murrin, Work-Integrated Learning Officer