Graduating A Semester Early: How to better utilize my time before starting FT?

I’m currently a senior in college aboht to start my FT IB analyst job and looking for advice to better utilize my time. I took all the required classes for my major and now wrapping up my last semester (graduating a semester early) with some easy electives. However, despite the chill course load, I realized time flew by this past semester. Many days I found myself either sleeping until noon, going to my 1 class and then spent the rest of the day napping and playing games online or watching movies. I try to do a little reading or learning each day but ultimately haven’t been super productive this semester and wondering how to fill my day in a meaningful way for next semester when I have no classes. Will be starting as a FT IB analyst afterwards so thinking if I should also take a modeling course or something so I’m not behind (I know, it’s boring but may be potentially helpful?). Ideally I’d like to do PE afterwards as well.  What do you guys recommend on how to best utilize your time? How to create more structure and purpose to each day?

10 Comments
 

Which area are you based in / are you returning home for your last semester or staying around your school campus? 

 

Not op but what’s the point of typing faster? What’s a good wpm speed to have? I remember taking a wpm test a little over a year ago, I can do about 75 wpm and seems to be fine for taking notes on calls etc 

 
Most Helpful

was in a similar boat to you (had one online class to finish so essentially done). here’s what I did:

1.) Worked as a tutor/TA for what was essentially an online community college. I taught/tutored for intro level macro and micro and college algebra 2-3 nights a week. it was nice because I could do it from wherever and I really made an impact on a few of the kids who had never previously been interested in school. Shit was inspiring and allowed me to save up a little extra money before starting full time.

2.) Worked out every day. Granted, all of that is for nothing now a year on the desk but I was able to max my deadlift which was super gratifying and something I worked up to throughout my off time. Also gave me an excuse to get out every day.

3.) Traveled. I solo backpacked through Europe for a month. If you do nothing else, do this. Only time in your life you’ll likely be able to do the whole hostel/city hop thing and you meet some really cool people.

4.) Read a lot. Finally had the time to read for pleasure and knocked off a few bucket list books, first being The Brothers Karamazov. Helped me fall back in love with learning and reading.

5.) Hung out with friends I knew I wouldn’t see for a while. Got to spend a lot of time with my best friend which I cherish deeply. Also spent a lot of with my little brother and I reflect on it very positively.

6.) Just slowed down. Life moves incredibly fast and your life is only going to speed up further once you start full time. Days, weeks and months will blend together at some points and you’ll feel overwhelmed. Take the time to slow down, embrace your down time, and enjoy that this is the last time for a long time it will be this slow. It’s okay to be bored some days, but try to make the slow time a new positive.

If you do one, two or all of these things, I think you’ll find it to be a very good use of your time.

 

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