The reality of being a student is that the role requires a great deal of sacrifices. No matter the major or class standing, there is a demand for excellence from all areas of study.
Oakland University offers a wide variety of internships and job opportunities to students in almost every field of study. Although these positions provide students with enriching professional experience, such opportunities can add a heavy load onto a time-consuming course schedule and corresponding coursework.
Still, the question remains: How can students effectively gain knowledge from these experiences while simultaneously studying, working and taking care of themselves?
There is no simple answer to this question, and there never could be, but there are ways to make the load feel lighter.
Angela Simoski, a senior majoring in Industrial Systems Engineering at OU, has created a routine for herself in the last two years, trying to find a good balance between her professional endeavors, academics and personal life.
While maintaining two internships and a full courseload, Simoski takes every precaution to enjoy free time during her weekends.
“A really important thing that I try to do is get all my homework done by Friday. It’s just being able to sit down and grind it out,” Simoski said.
By keeping her strict schedule organized through Google Calendar, Simoski can keep track of her tasks and obligations. Simoski is grateful that her program allows her the flexibility to work her internship around their class schedule.
Another OU student, Sandra Orzol, is in a similar situation to Simoski.
Orzol works two internships and is a full-time junior majoring in Industrial Systems Engineering. As is the case with Simoski, Orzol can better manage her time by getting all her homework done by Friday to enjoy the weekend.
Orzol was not always able to manage her workload effectively. In fact, at a previous internship, she lacked time management skills. The burnout that resulted from Orzol’s previous internship opened her eyes to the importance of prioritizing self-care.
“I was at another internship, I applied there, and I got hired,” Orzol said. “I worked there for about a month, and I was like, this is not what I want to be doing, and I just had kind of a reality check. I was kind of doing it just to have an internship, but I needed to check myself real quick. You shouldn’t be afraid to let go of something. If it’s not for you, just leave. You have got to be honest with yourself.”
As students, there is a constant need for success. Although ambition is a great trait, it should not cause students to lose sight of their well-being.
Finding the work-life balance may seem unachievable for some, but attainable for those willing to manage their time wisely and prioritize self-care.
“I always say, if you have any motivation, you can become an engineer. You just have to delegate your time,” Simoski said.
Students should be able to grow and learn from these experiences with a healthy mindset. For students experiencing mental health difficulties related to their personal, academic, or professional obligations, please refer to the Oakland University Counseling Center (OUCC).
