B-School life in October is whirlwind, classes are in full swing, recruiting is heating up, and personal commitments haven’t gone away. If you’re feeling stretched thin, you’re not alone. The good news? With the right tools and mindset, you can navigate this season with clarity and control.
Here are some time management hacks to help you stay focused, productive, and sane.
Mindset Shifts That Make a Difference
1. Trade “Busy” for “Intentional” Instead of measuring your success by how packed your calendar is, ask: Is my time aligned with my goals? Being intentional helps you prioritize what matters most, whether that’s a case prep session, a group project, or a walk to clear your head.
2. Embrace “Good Enough” Perfectionism is a time thief. Not every email, assignment, or coffee chat needs to be flawless. Learn to recognize when something is “good enough” and move on.
3. Think in Energy, Not Just Time Some tasks require deep focus, others can be done while you’re low-energy. Match your tasks to your energy levels throughout the day to maximize efficiency. Register for Design Thinking – Energy Flow to map out your energy levels.
Tools & Apps to Keep You on Track
1. Notion or Trello – For Task & Project Management Create boards for recruiting, academics, and personal goals. Use checklists, deadlines, and tags to stay organized.
2. Google Calendar – For Time Blocking Schedule everything, including breaks. Color-code your calendar to visually separate class, recruiting, and personal time.
3. Pomodoro Timer – For Focus Sprints Use apps like Focus Keeper or TomatoTimer to work in 25-minute bursts with short breaks. It’s great for tackling case prep or readings.
4. Calendly – For Streamlining Coffee Chats Avoid back-and-forth scheduling with classmates by setting up a Calendly link with your availability. It saves time and keeps your inbox cleaner.
5. Evernote or OneNote – For Capturing Insights Keep track of recruiting advice, interview tips, and class notes in one searchable place.
Weekly Planning Ritual
Set aside 30 minutes each Sunday to:
- Review upcoming deadlines and events
- Prioritize 3–5 key goals for the week
- Block time for deep work, meetings, and rest
- Reflect on what worked (and what didn’t) last week
This ritual helps you start each week with clarity and confidence.
You’re Not Just Managing Time. You’re Managing Momentum
Time management isn’t about doing everything, it’s about doing the right things at the right time. As a Business School student, you’re building habits that will serve you well beyond school. So be kind to yourself, stay flexible, and remember: progress beats perfection.
