How to Work More Efficiently As a Study Consultant

Since the study consultant position is a bit out of the box, developing strategies to work smarter and not harder is essential to start establishing methods that can help consultants work more effectively. To do so, we present a list of hacks a consultant must know: 

Use strategies to start with your papers

It's normal to feel stuck when starting a new task. Thus, here are some tips and strategies to help you write papers faster without sacrificing quality.

1. Start with an outline: Starting with an outline is an essential step to writing papers faster. It helps to organize your thoughts and structure the paper before you start writing. An outline helps to ensure that you include all the necessary information and keep your writing on track. For more details on how to write an outline, make sure to check the internal knowledge base article we wrote about it here.

2. Use research efficiently: Research is an essential component of writing papers, but it can also be time-consuming. To write papers faster, use research efficiently by focusing on relevant sources and using search terms that are specific to your topic. Also, try to gather all the necessary research material before you start writing to avoid wasting time searching for information while writing.

Tip: To save your sources, you can use MyBib's function to create your list of sources, that way, you have a list of the sources you found that would be helpful for your paper. For more info on how to use MyBib, read the internal knowledge base article here.

3. Use templates: Templates are a helpful tool for writing papers faster. Many templates are available online for different types of papers, such as research papers, essays, and dissertations. Templates provide structure and organization for the paper, making it easier to write quickly.
   
   
4. Write in batches: Writing in batches involves setting a specific amount of time to write and taking breaks in between. This technique helps to break up the writing process into manageable chunks, making it less overwhelming. Set a specific amount of time, such as 30 minutes or an hour, to write, and then take a short break before continuing.

Tip: If you're stuck in a section of an assignment, you can always use tools like ChatGPT to get an idea of what you can write. Check out the ChatGPT article here.

5. Eliminate distractions: Distractions can be a significant barrier to writing papers faster. Eliminate distractions by turning off your phone, email notifications, and social media. Find a quiet place to write where you can focus and be productive.

6. Edit and proofread later: Editing and proofreading are essential components of writing papers, but they can also be time-consuming. To write papers faster, focus on writing first and editing and proofreading later. Set aside a specific amount of time to edit and proofread your paper once you have finished writing.

 Make sure to understand your topics and subjects

Sometimes professors provide the topic for an assignment, or clients pick the subject before sending the request to us. Some topics are easier than others, and when you find yourself reading about something you are not familiar with in between terms you don't know of, it suddenly turns into another language. But don't worry, applying the following tips can change the game:

1. Skim through the material: Before diving deep into a topic, skim through the material to get a general idea of what it's about. This will help you focus on the most important parts when you start reading it more thoroughly.

2. Look for keywords: Look for important keywords or phrases that are repeated throughout the text. This will help you identify the main points and understand the topic faster.

   Tip: Keywords do not necessarily include repeated terms only, but also terms within definitions that you don't really understand. Searching the definitions of these terms will help you grasp the topic faster.
   
   

3. Take notes: Taking notes while you're reading can help you remember important information and clarify any confusion you might have about the topic.

4. Use visuals: Visual aids such as diagrams, charts, and graphs can help you understand complex information more quickly.

5. Break it down: Try breaking the topic down into smaller parts or subtopics. This can make it easier to understand and digest.

6. Practice active reading: Engage with the material as you read it. Ask yourself questions, summarize what you've read, and relate it to your own experiences. This can help you remember the information better and understand it faster.

7. Use online resources: There are plenty of online resources available that can help you understand a topic faster, such as videos, podcasts, and online courses. Look for resources that are reputable and relevant to the topic you're studying.

Create a routine

As cliché as it sounds, having a routine can highly improve your working days. When you have a routine, it's harder to forget a task or step. Also, having a routine for work helps you to be more productive, less stressed, and better able to manage your time and maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

Here are some tips to create a routine as a study consultant working from home:

1. Set a schedule: Establish a daily routine that includes set times for waking up, starting work, taking breaks, and finishing work for the day. This helps to create structure and provides a sense of predictability.

2. Designate a workspace: Create a designated workspace that is free from distractions and allows you to focus on your work. This could be a separate room, a specific desk, or a designated area in your home.

3. Dress for success: While it may be tempting to work in your pajamas, getting dressed as if you were going to the office can help to put you in a work mindset and improve your productivity.

4. Take breaks: Taking regular breaks throughout the day can help to refresh your mind and maintain focus. Plan to take short breaks every hour or so to stretch, move around, or do something unrelated to work.

5. Stay connected: Working from home can feel isolating, so make sure to stay connected with colleagues through virtual meetings, email, or messaging. This can help to maintain a sense of teamwork and collaboration. 

Tip: Use the team discord when you need to chit-chat with the team! You can find a support system there. 

1. Prioritize self-care: Make time for self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or spending time outdoors. Taking care of your physical and mental health is important for maintaining focus and productivity.

2. Set boundaries: It can be difficult to separate work and personal life when working from home, so establish clear boundaries between the two. This could include setting specific work hours, turning off notifications outside of those hours, and not working in non-work areas of your home.