Something is stirring in the psyches of all graduating seniors right about now. It manifests itself as a brooding cloud, looming over each graduate’s head. And it is fueled, growing from its stratus status to ginormous, fracking nimbus, every time someone asks, “What are your post-graduation plans?”

The impending graduation, for many of us, is a source of mild anxiety, even if we have well-established plans post-May 12. Most of this anxiety can be attributed to the little mountain of applications, letters of intent, letters of recommendation, forms, paperwork, emails, emails, emails and emails waiting on our desks.

My little mountain of work has me thinking how the most successful entrepreneurs manage their workloads. How do the best of the best stay organized, feel inspired and trudge on?

In search of some insight, I was traipsing along Lifehacker when I serendipitously stumbled upon this little series called, “How I Work.” Every once in a while, staff writer Tessa Miller will catch up with some of the most creative, hardworking and straight-up crazy businessmen and artists.

The series sheds light on how the greats do it, from pen-and-paper to Evernote, from one’s headphones to absolute silence.

Today, I share with you my version of “How I Work” — à la U of I. I talked with four students from very different disciplines, picking apart the ways University of Illinois students entering the real world keep track of their little mountains of work. By talking to these folks, you’ll realize there’s a world of difference between each person’s working style; maybe you will glean a little nugget of wisdom from those around you.

Hi, my name is Katriona Lee, and I’m a senior studying international business .

Katriona is out on the Quad, where it’s sunny, giving out free hugs to passersby.

I work: spontaneously. I get motivated just out-of-the-blue, and I end up getting it all done suddenly, which surprises me.

What devices do you use to keep organized?

To be honest, the only organizational tool I use is Google Calendar. Pen and paper works best for me otherwise; I like to be able to script things out.

Hi, my name is Ryan Kirby, and I’m a junior studying choral music education.

Ryan is singing on the second floor of the Music Building, practicing a German piece for a vocal performance.

I work: efficiently. I wouldn’t just practice something right before I perform. I need to structure my time so that I can revisit it and allow time to pass to solidify concepts.

What devices do you use to keep organized?

I have an app on my iPad that allows me to schedule assignments and their due dates. There’s an app called OmniFocus, which is routed with the structure of “Getting Things Done,” a book that uses the ideas of structures and organizing.

How would you describe your workspace?

I need to practice somewhere where I’m comfortable being myself and expressing myself. I need to be able to be expressive for an audience later. I need a quiet, clean environment to draw focus, so I’ll usually go to a library.

Hi, my name is Ivette Acevedo, and I’m a senior studying hospitality.

Ivette is setting up for The Spice Box, a student-run restaurant associated with the University’s Hospitality Management Program.

I work: proactively. It’s all about getting stuff done ahead of time, like working during the weekends, and not getting things done just the night before.

What devices do you use to keep organized?

I’m strictly a pencil-and-paper user. I also use a calendar to pencil in things I have to do.

How would you describe your workspace?

If you were to look at my desk right now, you’d see it’s very organized. My books are in one place; my notepads are in one place. I always work in a desk.

Hi, my name is Sarah Langer, and I’m a senior studying English and creative writing.

Sarah sits at the front desk of the Writing Center at the Undergraduate Library.

I work: purposefully.

What devices do you use to keep organized?

I use the iBook, and I’m actually kind of a nerd, because I keep a lot of to-do lists. If I have a busy week, I’ll keep a notepad full of lists. I also need my iPod, most definitely; I need my music while I’m writing.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

As far as your career goes, my dad always said that as long as you’re doing what you love, everything will fall into place.

Nora is a senior in LAS. She can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @NoraAIbrahim.