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How does one with ADHD navigate college and earned an accounting or business degree?
I just got back into school after being diagnosed with ADHD and about to finish my first semester
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4 answers
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William’s Answer
I understand your concerns because I have ADHD too, and I want to assure you that you can definitely earn a business or accounting degree and succeed. I've been a successful business owner and now work as a director at a top accounting firm. ADHD didn't stop me; it just meant I had to do things differently.
Here's what worked for me:
1. **Adapt Your Study Methods:** Use your strengths. Break tasks into small parts, use visual aids, set timers to focus, and keep a whiteboard with goals and reminders to stay engaged.
2. **Balance Routine and Flexibility:** Create routines for consistency but mix things up to keep your interest. Accounting involves creativity—problem-solving, building client relationships, and finding new solutions, which can be strengths for you.
3. **Seek Support:** Don’t hesitate to use school accommodations or talk to professors if you need different help. This isn’t asking for favors; it’s ensuring you have what you need to succeed.
4. **Believe in Your Potential:** ADHD didn’t stop me from building a business or becoming a firm partner. Thinking creatively, managing multiple projects, and staying curious have been huge assets in my career.
Keep pushing forward. Your path doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.
Here's what worked for me:
1. **Adapt Your Study Methods:** Use your strengths. Break tasks into small parts, use visual aids, set timers to focus, and keep a whiteboard with goals and reminders to stay engaged.
2. **Balance Routine and Flexibility:** Create routines for consistency but mix things up to keep your interest. Accounting involves creativity—problem-solving, building client relationships, and finding new solutions, which can be strengths for you.
3. **Seek Support:** Don’t hesitate to use school accommodations or talk to professors if you need different help. This isn’t asking for favors; it’s ensuring you have what you need to succeed.
4. **Believe in Your Potential:** ADHD didn’t stop me from building a business or becoming a firm partner. Thinking creatively, managing multiple projects, and staying curious have been huge assets in my career.
Keep pushing forward. Your path doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.
Updated
Hannah’s Answer
Everyone’s ADHD journey is unique. As someone who graduated from business school with ADHD and has spent the past eight years in the corporate world, below are a few strategies that have worked for me.
1. Find Your Focus Tool: Whenever I need to concentrate, I put “Intro” by The xx on endless repeat (and yes, I mean 10+ hours). This song instantly calms my mind and helps me focus. I wrote every college essay to it and still use it at work when I need deep focus. Check it out on Spotify/Apple Music/YouTube if you’re looking for a productivity boost!
2. Build a Schedule That Works for You: One of the best parts of college is the freedom to create your own schedule. Identify when you’re most productive and try to align your classes and study times accordingly. Choose courses and clubs that energize you and serve as positive outlets for your ADHD.
3. Stick to One Note-Taking Method: I used to scatter my notes across my phone, computer, and random notebooks, which made it hard to stay organized. Pick one method—whether it’s a notebook, an app, or your computer—and keep all your notes there. If you have to use another method temporarily, transfer those notes back to your main system. Keeping everything in one place will save you time, confusion, and frustration.
Remember, your ADHD can be your secret superpower. Use your creativity to solve problems, your conversation skills to build networks, your spontaneity to discover new passions, and your resilience to adapt to change. These strengths can lead to real success in your business career.
1. Find Your Focus Tool: Whenever I need to concentrate, I put “Intro” by The xx on endless repeat (and yes, I mean 10+ hours). This song instantly calms my mind and helps me focus. I wrote every college essay to it and still use it at work when I need deep focus. Check it out on Spotify/Apple Music/YouTube if you’re looking for a productivity boost!
2. Build a Schedule That Works for You: One of the best parts of college is the freedom to create your own schedule. Identify when you’re most productive and try to align your classes and study times accordingly. Choose courses and clubs that energize you and serve as positive outlets for your ADHD.
3. Stick to One Note-Taking Method: I used to scatter my notes across my phone, computer, and random notebooks, which made it hard to stay organized. Pick one method—whether it’s a notebook, an app, or your computer—and keep all your notes there. If you have to use another method temporarily, transfer those notes back to your main system. Keeping everything in one place will save you time, confusion, and frustration.
Remember, your ADHD can be your secret superpower. Use your creativity to solve problems, your conversation skills to build networks, your spontaneity to discover new passions, and your resilience to adapt to change. These strengths can lead to real success in your business career.
Updated
Malaika’s Answer
Hey! I wasn't diagnosed until I was working, but I had a different condition that let me ask for similar help during college. Definitely request those special accommodations for exam day. We usually got 1.5 times the usual time for exams. Even if I didn't always need it, I could take my exam in a calmer setting, which really improved my exam skills and scores. I loved taking exams in a room with just a few people instead of a big, noisy hall full of nervous students.
Also, I agree with Michael—it's so important to focus on your passions and make time for them regularly. It helps keep a good routine and balance in life. Try out different study methods, too. Think about whether you're a visual learner who learns best by reading and taking notes, or an auditory learner who benefits from listening to teachers or audio materials. This will help you find the study method that works best for you!
Finding my study method was a game-changer in college. It became foolproof, and I never worried about how to study for an exam again. Everyone thinks differently, but for me, it was about reading textbooks/slides, taking notes, and then organizing those notes on paper as exam prep. By writing and rereading, I could remember much more on test day. Also, check out tutoring resources on campus. Sometimes student teachers explain things differently than professors, so it's great to have options. Hope this helps!
Also, I agree with Michael—it's so important to focus on your passions and make time for them regularly. It helps keep a good routine and balance in life. Try out different study methods, too. Think about whether you're a visual learner who learns best by reading and taking notes, or an auditory learner who benefits from listening to teachers or audio materials. This will help you find the study method that works best for you!
Finding my study method was a game-changer in college. It became foolproof, and I never worried about how to study for an exam again. Everyone thinks differently, but for me, it was about reading textbooks/slides, taking notes, and then organizing those notes on paper as exam prep. By writing and rereading, I could remember much more on test day. Also, check out tutoring resources on campus. Sometimes student teachers explain things differently than professors, so it's great to have options. Hope this helps!
Updated
Michael’s Answer
This is an excellent question! I'm currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Business Management while managing ADHD, and I want to share some tips that might help you. Always keep your future goals in mind; they are your motivation for staying engaged with your studies. Whenever you can choose topics for your assignments, focus on what you love. This could mean writing papers on business concepts or exploring how the material connects to your interests.
It's important to seek support from your school. They can offer helpful resources like extended deadlines, special exam arrangements, and dedicated staff to guide you through your degree. Also, talk to your professors about any difficulties you face in class. They can provide valuable support.
Here are some tips to keep you on track:
1. Use Your Passions as Much as Possible
2. Get University Accommodations
3. Work and Study in Quiet Environments
4. Complete Your Assignments as Early as Possible
5. Communicate with Your Professor as Soon as You are Experiencing Challenges
You've got this! Keep pushing forward and remember, you're not alone on this journey.
It's important to seek support from your school. They can offer helpful resources like extended deadlines, special exam arrangements, and dedicated staff to guide you through your degree. Also, talk to your professors about any difficulties you face in class. They can provide valuable support.
Here are some tips to keep you on track:
1. Use Your Passions as Much as Possible
2. Get University Accommodations
3. Work and Study in Quiet Environments
4. Complete Your Assignments as Early as Possible
5. Communicate with Your Professor as Soon as You are Experiencing Challenges
You've got this! Keep pushing forward and remember, you're not alone on this journey.
Thank you I really appreciate the insight I took a screenshot and will be saving this for years. It’s really encouraging to know I am not the only one and people have done this
Trevon