Time management is a special and particularly troublesome example of a difficult resource allocation decision. in this paper we report on work in progress where we are applying current motivational models to the conditions present in engineering educational environments. We are investigating the development of habits and attitudes that students carry with them to the workplace after graduation. to illustrate important facets of this general topic, we examine the antecedents and consequences of student preferences for participation in organized, institution-sanctioned extra-curricular activities over attention to course work. Implications for engineering educators, engineering students, working engineers, and employers are provided.