Balancing Two Internships While Being a Full-Time Student

As I begin my fourth semester working for the Office of Parents and Families Services, I’ve been reflecting on all that’s changed since I began working here in Fall 2023. When I started this position as a freshman, I was searching for new opportunities to help me get involved and find my place on campus. Aside from all of the clubs and organizations I was interested in, I was eager to experience a new, unique work opportunity with this office. 

Parents and Families Services has become a significant part of my life as a student in addition to several other activities. As a full-time Finance student in the Poole College of Management, I have several other activities I’m involved in. I’m beginning my second semester as an Engagement Manager with Consult Your Community (CYC), joining the NC State chapter of Chi Omega, declaring a minor in accounting, interning part-time with Lenovo, joining the club field hockey team, and graduating a year early. As a student with a ton of commitments, here is how I keep myself organized and productive while still making time for the things that I love!

The most important tool I use to keep myself on track and organized is my Google Calendar. The Planning and Enrollment tab of MyPack Portal allows me to export all of my classes and other commitments directly from my Enrollment Wizard to my Google Calendar. It takes a lot of the stress and headache away from managing my weeks since I can schedule my other commitments around my classes and clubs. Also, I can easily add events like studying, personal time or going to the gym. Having a clear, organized view of my day-to-day schedule allows me to feel less overwhelmed. 

Another way I keep myself productive is by using an assignment-tracking spreadsheet. There are a variety of Excel and Sheets templates online that can be easily modified to reflect your assignments, exams, and readings for your classes this semester. Although it takes a bit to set up, having all of my work laid out for the semester makes me feel so much more organized. It takes a lot of the stress of missing deadlines or cramming for exams out of my mind. 

There are a plethora of ways students can keep themselves organized with a busy schedule, but these are just two of the methods that I use in my hectic life. If your student is struggling to stay organized or productive, encourage them to speak with the Academic Success Center. If they’re struggling with their motivation or emotional well-being, encourage them to visit the Counseling Center. The most important thing is that your student knows their education and success are always supported here at NC State.

Time management isn’t easy, but developing good habits in college will set you up for a lifetime of success. Encourage your student to figure out the methods that work best for them now so that they can be prepared for wherever life takes them next. 

Good luck this semester and Go Pack!

Kiran Muttathil, Parent Ally