Project and Time Management

Employers in various sectors often seek candidates with attributes related to project and time management, such as organizational skills, multitasking, budgeting abilities, and the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines. ^[1] Mastering these skills has a direct impact on career success and work-life balance, as well as resolving problems and conflicts in order to keep a project on track. ^[2] Project management skills are considered prerequisites to a leader’s success. In fact, management skills often overlap with leadership skills, as both involve problem solving, decision making, planning, delegation, communication, and time management. ^[3] 

Time management skills are not only important in the workplace, but they are also necessary during your studies, and to help you manage your personal commitments and interests. From a psychological perspective, efficient time use has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. ^[4] Seeking co-curricular activities and experiences on- and off-campus will help develop and demonstrate these particular management skills. 

Jump to section: Quick Guide to Project and Time Management | Building Your Skills | References

Quick Guide to Project and Time Management

Project Management

1. Have a long-term strategic vision of your project and set goals and milestones accordingly
2. Display forward thinking and anticipate dealing with the unexpected
3. Develop troubleshooting strategies if your project gets sidetracked
4. Establish your own personalized time management system: prioritize tasks, switch focus between projects/tasks to deliver on schedule, and balance constraints (cost, scope, time) ^[5]
5. Conduct a thorough risk analysis and management for yourself, your team and others involved
6. Assess your current workload and commitments before taking on new projects

Time Management

1. Be self-aware, identify your most and least effective habits and ways of working
2. Structure your time by allocating adequate periods for activities and breaks
3. Set goals, make task lists, and prioritize following the SMART criteria ^[6]
4. Experiment with different digital or paper planning tools (e.g., Outlook or Google Calendar, kanban boards, productivity apps, bullet point to-do lists, paper agenda)
5. Use strategies to overcome procrastination; consult this link for some suggestions.

Building Your Project and Time Management Skills

There are many ways to build skills in project and time management. Find free and paid workshops & courses; project management and volunteer opportunities where you can put your skills into action; as well as websites, apps, videos, and more to help you grow your skills.

References