Interview with Hanken's study coach
Hi Alexandra Ohls, you work as a study coach at Hanken. What exactly is a study coach?
As a study coach at Hanken, I am here to support students and doctoral students in issues related to study ability and motivation. I offer individual coaching sessions where we, together, try to find solutions that work for the person in question. The coaching conversations are confidential.
Why should I book a coaching session with you?
If there is anything you are thinking about or struggling with, such as challenges with studying remotely, how to get started with your studies or how to get your bachelor's or master’s thesis written, then is it a good idea to book a session with me.
How many coaching sessions can I book with you?
As a degree student or doctoral student, you can book 1–3 coaching sessions per academic year. The coaching sessions are held online in Teams.
Do you have any personal experience of challenging situations in study or working life?
Ten years ago, I had a burnout and was on sick leave for some months. It was, of course, a difficult time, but I also learned a lot. I know that it can happen to anyone and that it is important that you have the courage to ask for help and support, preferably at as early a stage as possible. At the same time, one of the challenges is that you often do not notice what is happening. Therefore, it is also important that people around you dare to ask how you really feel or say outright that they think it would be a good idea for you to talk to someone.
In what situations should my alarm bells ring? When is there a risk of burnout? And what should I do then?
We all experience stress from time to time and this is completely normal, but when the stress becomes prolonged, it is a clear warning signal. Some other common signs that you are at risk are that you feel tired all the time and resting does not help, that you lose your motivation and it feels like nothing matters anymore, or that simple things suddenly feel difficult and everything takes longer than usual.
If you recognize any of the warning signals or feel worried, I recommend that you contact me or the study psychologist Daniel Ventus Opens in new window .
Where can I turn if I suffer from performance anxiety?
You can also contact me or the study psychologist Daniel Ventus if you suffer from performance anxiety, for example before a presentation you are to give or before an exam. Just talking about it often helps, and we can also give some advice on how to deal with your performance anxiety.
Can you give three concrete tips to us who have difficulty finding study motivation now that almost everything is to be done remotely?
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Try to create good everyday routines so that you have a certain time you start and end each day. Think of it as going to work. The important thing is that you get started during the day, the motivation often comes when you have started with a task.
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Set realistic sub-goals for yourself so that you can be satisfied when you finish your studies for the day. Make a “have done list” so you can see all the things you have in fact done during the day.
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Study together with someone – it is also possible to do it online!
Please do not hesitate to contact me!
Alexandra Ohls
alexandra.ohls@hanken.fi
050 4136 802
Alexandra organises workshops on how to study efficiently and keep your motivation high in English and Swedish - check out the events here!