Tips for Grads: Managing Projects and People
By Matthew J. Zinsli, PhD student
A new semester is upon us, full of possibility and promise. Yet many students find that, with the demands of classwork, teaching, or just “adulting,” the ground quickly gives way beneath their feet. That’s why it is important to go into each semester with a strategic plan.
A strategic plan is fairly straightforward. It merely sets out what long-term goals you wish to accomplish, the tasks that will move you towards those goals, and when you will do the actual work required. That last bit is key: you must strategically set aside time each week when you’re going to focus on tasks that contribute to your goals. Creating the space to work towards long-term projects helps ensure you don’t lose track of them while meeting the demands of urgent, but less important, commitments.
Once you’ve got your plan, it’s vital to stay committed to it. As a grad student, it’s likely that one of your big goals is a writing project. Plan to spend at least 30 minutes each day writing. It may not sound like much, but this ensures that you are making a little progress each day. A good strategy is to find a supportive community to keep you motivated, such as a
writing group.
If you’re unsure what long-term goals are important right now, consider creating an
individual development plan. Check out campus resources like
DiscoverPD, or institutional subscriptions like
ImaginePhD or
VersatilePhD. Speak with your advisor, colleagues, or supervisors to see what they think you should be working on.
For more detail on strategic planning, check out the webinar “Every Semester Needs a Plan” from the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity.