Now you're probably wondering, "how will organization make or break my career?" Think about it. Being unorganized is a time waster. The unorganized student spends precious time searching for papers, files, notes, wondering which pile to check first. She forgets and misses meetings or arrives late, repeatedly. He finds it hard to focus on the task at hand because his mind is swimming what the details of what must be done next or what should have been done yesterday.
Face it. An unorganized office is a sign of a cluttered mind. Cluttered minds are inefficient for scholarly productivity. So how do you get organized? Try these tips:
- Use a to-do list to free your mind for the work at hand
- Set up a filing system.
Don't skimp on file folders or you'll find yourself doubling up on files
and lose track of your most important papers. Maintain files for
- research/thesis ideas
- thesis references (probably divided up into additional files for each topic)
- exam material; as you prepare for comps, will have copies of old exams, study materials
- professional credentials - vita, sample cover letter, research statement etc.
- reprints and professional articles - organized by topic
- life (bills, taxes, etc.)
- teaching materials (organized by topic)
- Organize your study space. It should be free of distractions, well lit, and have all supplies and files nearby.
- Splurge on office supplies. Though supplies can be expensive, it's easier to get organized when you've got the right tools. Purchase a quality stapler, paper clips, binder clips, stick on notes in several sizes, sticky flags for marking important pages in texts, etc. Go to a supply store and purchase office supplies in bulk to maximize savings and to be sure that you don't run out of supplied unexpectedly.
- Use binders to organize class notes, with dividers to separate your notes from assigned readings, handouts, and other materials.
