Diary of a PDM student
Bart Simes
Area Service Manager
Vestas Australia
Student study routines vary widely. Some students enrol in the minimum number of subjects at any one time, while others possibly bite off more than they can chew. Subject material varies in complexity - relative to each student, and each and every one of us has different personal responsibilities and employment commitments. For these reasons and more, students will study in different ways and at different hours of the day.
Last year, I embarked on, and miraculously completed, three subjects whilst maintaining a busy work schedule with travel commitments. As a guide of what three months of your calendar becomes in this circumstance:
Monday
In the office from 8am to 5pm. In class between 5.30pm and 9pm (occasionally remaining for an additional 30 minutes to an hour for syndicate discussions). Typically home by 10pm.
Tuesday
In the office between 8am and 6.30pm. Home for dinner then, after dinner is an opportunity for either homework and/or syndicate commitments.
Wednesday
In the office between 8am and 5pm. In class between 5.30pm and 9pm (occasionally remaining for an additional 30 minutes to an hour for syndicate discussions). Typically home by 10pm (but often have to go via the office because I’ve had to leave early twice this week). Typically home between 11pm and midnight in these circumstances.
Thursday
Once a fortnight I typically fly interstate on business, requiring a 6am or 7am departure. I use flying time to either study, sleep or prepare for the meetings ahead. I arrive at a motel anywhere between 6pm and 9pm depending on whether or not a client or staff dinner was necessary. Where possible, I either open a text book or attend to work emails – depending on which needs the most attention. Typically In bed by 11pm.
Friday
Up at 6am and wherever I need to be for the day’s business by 8.30am. Evening flight (if not travelling first thing Saturday morning) and home by dinner most of the time. Sometimes I manage something social, but more often it’s reserved for sleep.
Saturday
Intensive Saturday subject commences at 9am and goes until 5pm. I’m usually in class until 6pm due to syndicate discussions. Saturday night is usually reserved for sleep, but possibly preparation for two to three syndicate meets which have been planned for Sunday.
Sunday
Get up around 9am and I’m at the first syndicate meet by 10am. The day is usually consumed with syndicate work and homework assignments until sundown. Home by dinner. Sleep.
