
While some of us have found The One Scholarship Just For Me, it’s more likely that you’ve applied with multiple organisations. A certain course that they sponsor may have caught your eye, or you may be interested in the career prospects of another.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with applying to as many scholarships as you like! The problem is: how to keep yourself organised when the personal essays, interview requests and enrichment day schedules start coming in. The last thing you want to do is show up for an interview and realise it’s with a completely different organisation than the one you’ve prepped for!
Keep yourself organised with these 5 small tips:
1. Use apps and reminders
We’re a Smart Nation, so be Smart
about your interviews! Use calendar apps, reminders and alarms on your
handphone, tablet, or laptop to keep yourself up-to-date. Past scholars have
recommended OneNote, Any.do and even good ol’ Stickies on the laptop screen to
make sure they don’t miss a thing.
2. Have a Master Spreadsheet
If you’ve applied to any more than
three scholarships, we recommend firing up your Excel or Google Spreadsheets
and getting all those dates, requirements, submission details and contact
people into it. That way, you won’t get mixed up when emails start flooding
your inbox, and you’ll know who it is that’s calling you on the phone to
arrange an interview.
3. Keep an “interview kit” for each organisation
Getting organised is all about
having the right things in the right places… preferably before the mad scramble
to the door. Keep separate folders with your “interview kits” at the ready for
each scholarship you’ve applied for. By preparing these ahead of time, you can
be thoughtful and selective about what you include in each kit. Tailor what
testimonials, awards and certificates you bring to each organisation and its
needs.
4. Check the small things
Have an “interview outfit” at the ready
alongside your interview kit. You may also wish to invest in a good business
briefcase or bag that will go with the professional image you want to present. Depending
on your comfort levels, you might want to practice a neutral makeup look or
check which hairstyle sets you off best. All these things help with first
impressions – and those are the most important!
5. Go early and expect the unexpected!
All the preparation in the world can
be undone by a simple mistake like forgetting a namecard or failing to remember
an address. Set off early for your interviews, making sure to factor in ample
time for traffic, breakdowns or any other delay. Keep your contact with the
sponsoring organisation at the ready in case you need to let him/her know about
sudden mishaps.
Now that you’ve gotten yourself organised, you’re ready for
anything! Make an impression and score that scholarship!