The festive period has been and gone and now it is back to the reality that is work. To soften the landing here are a few tips that can help you get out of the January slump.

Set objectives

I think a wonderful way to start the new year is to set some objectives for yourself. Make these goals to suit you and what you want to achieve. You can have as many goals as you want, nobody is counting!

A well-structured goal/objective will often follow the SMART framework, so if you are struggling to create goals and achieve them, you can use this mnemonic acronym to help you out.

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Realistic
  • Timely

Once you have set these goals and started working towards them take time to reflect on your progress at regular intervals. If you want to make amendments to your goals go ahead! There is nothing wrong with making a few changes to your goals to better suit you.

Use resources to help you along the way

Using the resources available to you can help you to achieve your goals. If you are worried about graduate jobs/placements/ internships or anything careers related you can go to careers central. They offer:

  • A long list of online and in-person events, which you can also filter down to your preferences if the long list is a bit too much for you.
  • You can book yourself an appointment with the Careers Advisors for some one-to-one help.

Hopefully, you now know about a few more of the resources available to you through careers central. But remember there is a whole internet of knowledge and resources to help you out in any area of life. Don't forget you can also talk to people for advice and help, this can include lectures, friends, family or a professional.

Add to your CV

If you want to add to your skillset:

  • Sign up for LinkedIn Learning for free using your UEA credentials and start learning.
  • LinkedIn Learning courses cover three overarching topics: business, creative and technology. So hopefully you can find something that will suit you.

If you are looking for work or volunteer experience:

To top it all off you can use both activities to contribute to the UEA Award which adds to your CV too.

Have some me-time

This me-time is for you to destress and have time to think and reflect. You can use this time to journal, take a walk, meditate, watch TV or do anything that you want to do that destresses you. It is always good to ensure you have a regular slot in your day to unwind and relax, it will make you more productive in the long term!

Plan ahead

Have a plan in mind for each day and use that plan to reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. Planning can guide you on where to start and avoid procrastinating. A good plan will motivate you to be productive and complete your to-do list. This can be using a simple pen and paper but if you use chrome you could add a to-do list extension such as momentum. Choose a method of planning that works for you, what works for me may not work for you so there may be some trial and error!

The final piece of advice is to take it one step at a time.

Clare Purser, (Third Year BSc Economics and Finance)

Clare has given us some fantastic tips and tricks for getting out of the January slump, and if you would like help with anything career-related, don't hesitate to get in contact with our Career Advisors! Also, make sure to check out our amazing range of employer events this semester all designed to help take the pressure off of your Career Journey!

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