To-do list
To all juniors in IB - How do you stay organised and keep track of all outstanding tasks? In my previous internship I had an excel sheet with various columns: Description of task, Person in charge, Time/date task received, Deadline, Importance (scale 1-5), Additional notes. I also had sub-sections for live deals
Curious to hear about how you approach this and if you have any dedicated software/website for that purpose to share
I recommend using an Eisenhower matrix. It is a similar concept to the one you described. You could also check out kan ban boards.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems like individuals in investment banking (IB) and related fields have a variety of methods for staying organized and keeping track of tasks. Your approach with an Excel sheet is quite methodical and aligns with the structured nature of work in IB. Here are some insights and additional methods shared by professionals in the field:
Todoist: This task tracker is favored for its ability to group tasks by project, share with teammates, add notes, set due dates, and reminders. It integrates well with Outlook and has a mobile app for syncing across devices. This could be a more dynamic alternative to your Excel sheet, allowing for real-time updates and categorization by project through hashtags.
Old School Approach: Some professionals prefer a more tactile method, using a high-quality Italian leather folder to carry a pen, a manila folder, and a legal pad. This method is portable and ensures that you have all necessary materials at hand, regardless of electronic access.
Notes App and Paper Lists: For those who find dedicated to-do list software cumbersome, the simplicity of the iPhone's Notes app or a physical piece of paper can be effective. This method is straightforward and eliminates the need for learning new software. Using unread emails in Outlook as a checklist is another simple yet effective strategy.
Trello: This website/app allows for the creation of cards for different tasks, which can be organized into categories. It's useful for both personal and professional purposes, enabling you to write detailed notes on cards, set deadlines, and add colored labels for customization. Trello supports sharing cards on projects, which can enhance collaboration but may reduce privacy.
Wrike: This tool is mentioned by someone working in a smaller development firm. Wrike helps with organization through checklists and to-do lists, and while there's a fee, it's noted not to be very expensive. This could be a more formalized tool suitable for team environments where multiple people need access to the same task lists.
Each of these methods has its own set of advantages, and the best choice depends on your personal working style, the nature of your tasks, and your team's workflow. It might be worth experimenting with a couple of these tools or methods to see which one aligns best with your needs.
Sources: How do you stay organized at work (both in general and on action item lists)? (x-post w/ MC forum), How do you guys organize yourselves?, Small Developer Advice - Second Week
I put post it notes with stuff I need to get done on my desk. As I complete each task, I’ll check off items.
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