How do I get faster at doing things? Tips / Advice appreciated

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some tips to help you increase your efficiency and speed as a first-year analyst:

1. Learn Keyboard Shortcuts:

   • Use your mouse minimally. For PowerPoint, Adobe, and opening new instances of applications, rely on keyboard shortcuts.
   • To open an application, hit the Windows button and start typing the name of the application.
   • To open Windows Explorer, hit Windows button + E.

2. Customize Quick Access Toolbar:

   • For frequently used processes and keystroke combinations in Excel or PowerPoint, customize your quick access toolbar to save time.

3. Get Proficient with Your Bank’s Excel Add-in:

   • If your bank uses tools like Capital IQ or FactSet, become proficient with them, especially in Excel and PowerPoint.

4. Practice Outlook Shortcuts and Functionality:

   • Learn to schedule meetings, create/forward/reply to messages, set inbox rules, sort emails, check names, flag, drive hyperlinks, attach files, and create tasks/reminders efficiently.

5. Anticipate Tasks:

   • If you’ve done a process a few times, anticipate the steps and start them without waiting for instructions. For example, if a new deal mandate requires background checks, money laundering checks, and setting up email distribution lists, do these proactively.

6. Use Training the Street Macros:

   • Utilize macros from resources like Training the Street to automate repetitive tasks and save time.

7. Pin Deal Files:

   • In Windows Explorer, pin your most commonly used deal files to the favorites section to reduce time spent navigating through the shared drive.

8. Rip Prior Work:

   • Leverage prior work, especially in PowerPoint and Excel. Keep all tabs the same to make it easier to reuse and adapt previous work.

9. Develop a Good Relationship with Your IT Manager:

   • Request a RAM upgrade and possibly a computer upgrade to improve performance and reduce waiting times for data tables.

10. Set Small Goals and Take Breaks:

    • Set small goals for tasks and take breaks after completing them to maintain focus and efficiency.

By implementing these strategies, you can improve your speed and efficiency, making your workflow smoother and more productive.

Sources: What I Wish Every First Year Analyst Knew, Tips to crank out work really fast, How to Read More Efficiently Everyday as Research Analyst, What I Wish Every First Year Analyst Knew, Year 1 in consulting - tips, tricks, advice, and unspoken rules.