Level Up Your Learning: Advice from a Tech-Savvy Student

by Dino Black, BIA TripeTen grad

Embarking on an educational journey can feel like stepping into a vast, uncharted territory. The path to success is filled with challenges, but with the right strategies, you can navigate it effectively. I finished at the top of my class and am now making strong tangible strides towards my dream data analyst role. I'd like to share some study habits that helped me stay focused, disciplined, and hungry for knowledge. Let's dive into the cutting-edge study strategies that can help you level up your learning.

Embrace technology

In today's digital age, being tech-savvy is not just an advantage; it's a necessity. Leverage technology to enhance your study experience:

1. Digital note-taking: Apps like OneNote, Evernote, and Notion allow you to organize notes efficiently. You can easily search for keywords, link related topics, and access your notes from any device. 
2. Productivity tools: Use apps like Trello or Asana to manage your tasks and deadlines. A clear plan keeps you on track and reduces stress.
3. Use a pen/pencil and a notebook: I know this is low-tech, but for me, this forged a special mental connection that equated to better focus and higher retention levels. Try this out — it helps you flex your brain.

Active learning

Passive reading is less effective than engaging actively with the material. Here’s how to make your study sessions more interactive:

1. Teach what you learn: Explaining concepts to others reinforces your understanding. Use study groups or even teach imaginary audiences. Talk to your pet/pets as well. They love you, and it’ll be a judgment-free zone.
2. Practice problems: Apply what you’ve learned through exercises and real-world problems. Your skill set is as good as you make it. Solve problems and exercise your skills. 
3. Flashcards and quizzes: Tools like Anki or Quizlet are excellent for memorizing facts and testing your knowledge regularly.

Time management

Effective time management is crucial for academic success. Here’s how to make the most of your time:

1. ‍Pomodoro Technique: Break your study time into intervals (typically 25 minutes) with short breaks in between. This method improves focus and productivity. I find this to be especially true for myself. I need to break away from what I call my “Tech Zen State of Mind,” when I sit for long periods and get work done. Make sure you don’t fall into that state too often. Take care of yourself, stretch, drink water, and get fresh air.
2. Prioritize tasks: Identify the most important tasks and tackle them first. Use the Eisenhower Matrix to distinguish between urgent and important tasks. Scrolling should not be a top priority, but studying and eating snacks should be.
3. Consistent routine: Establish a daily routine that includes dedicated study times. Consistency helps build habits that lead to long-term success. The early bird gets the worm for a reason, so why not you? I found great success in putting my mental energy into my studies first thing in the morning. The next best thing would be to exercise and get those endorphin levels extremely high. And then I’d sit down, focus, and groove on my studies. It shouldn’t be a chore, but it should be an engaging challenge. Have fun with your studies and embrace them.

Healthy lifestyle

Your physical and mental well-being significantly impact your academic performance. Maintain a healthy lifestyle with these tips:

1. Balanced diet: Eat nutritious meals that fuel your brain. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins are particularly beneficial. 
2. Regular exercise: Physical activity boosts cognitive function and reduces stress. Even a short daily workout can make a difference.
3. Adequate sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Quality sleep is essential for memory consolidation and overall cognitive function.

Stay motivated and disciplined

Maintaining motivation and discipline is key to achieving greatness. Here’s how to stay on track:

1. Set goals: Define clear, achievable goals and track your progress. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Reward yourself, too. After all, it’s a marathon, so make sure to keep moving. At your core, remind yourself every day why you want a change in your life and take things one day at a time.
2. Find your “why”: Understand why you are pursuing your studies. A strong sense of purpose fuels perseverance and resilience. Ask yourself the hard questions, look in the mirror, and let yourself know that you are only competing against yourself. Here’s my “why” for inspiration: I love storytelling, connecting with people, and being a leader. In fact, if money didn’t matter I’d work for free as a data analyst and gladly connect with stakeholders to drive important decisions because I love the process, I’m highly motivated, have a high level of curiosity, and love technology.
3. Stay positive: Surround yourself with supportive people and maintain a positive mindset. Challenges are opportunities for growth. A wise colleague of mine who recently became a doctor recommended getting out and connecting with some folks at real events. Being somewhere progressive in environments where people understand the hustle and the grind is so important. As you network and continue to build relationships with those that matter, you will gain social capital and continue to create organic centers of influence. And having people in the tech world who care, know you, understand your story, and advocate for you is huge.

Conclusion

Success is not about being the smartest person in the room; it's about being the most disciplined and focused.

By embracing technology, engaging in active learning, managing your time effectively, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and staying motivated, you can achieve greatness. Remember, the journey of learning is ongoing. Stay hungry for knowledge and keep pushing your limits. Level up your learning, and the rewards will follow.