Life is full of changes. Whether you’re completing an IIE Information Science degree with an interest in web development or have chosen accounting, teaching or law, the chances are that you’ve experienced changes. Some are smaller in nature like a new haircut, whilst others are more impactful. The change from high school to university was one thing and it might have taken some getting used to. Soon, you’ll get to see what it means to go from varsity to the working world.
The impact of change on our lives can sometimes be a little hard to manage. Some people fear change and as a result, are negative towards it and what comes with it. Most of us assume that we are better at dealing with change than we actually are. This leaves us in a state of denial, sadness and even disappointment when change comes our way.
With change triggering a stress response from the body, it’s something that we need to manage so that it doesn’t manage us. The first thing to do when it comes to change is to determine what we can and can’t control. This is the key to feeling better about a situation. If the answer is “yes, I can control this” then there is something that you can do about it. In the case of the answer being negative, then you’ll know that it’s beyond your control. When this happens, you’ve got to go with it. Fighting change when you can’t prevent it will only cause more stress.
Deciding what’s important to you is the next step of dealing with change. In getting to know yourself, you’ll be able to address things that cause uncertainty and stress. For example, if completing an IIE Information Science degree and you know that your studies are important to you, you’ll avoid missing lectures. This means that you’ll do everything in your power to be in every session so that you can have the best chance of getting good results.
Another important factor in lessening the negative impact of change is taking care of yourself. If you know that you are affected badly by times of uncertainty, you should take some time to build yourself up. This is called self-love and it is particularly good for self-esteem. Do things you enjoy, eat healthy foods you like and make sure you get enough rest. Change isn’t easy to conquer but it’s easier to handle when we are kind to ourselves.
When all else fails, remember that this time of change and its effects are only temporary. What deeply unsettles you now won’t always feel this way. Soon, you’ll become used to the situation and you’ll find it easier to manage.
At The IIE’s Varsity College our Student Advisors and Career Centres are always willing to help our students deal with times of change. It’s why we’re their biggest supporters no matter what career they pursue. From qualification advice to vocational guidance, our doors are always open. For more on the IIE Bachelor of Computer & Information Sciences in Application Development please click here.
Varsity College is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE). South Africa’s leading private higher education provider that’s registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training, and accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC).