Working from home as a college intern can present unique challenges, especially for someone who grew up in the digital age. Managing distractions while navigating a new way of working can be daunting when you’re at the beginning of your career journey. However, learning how to navigate routines while online can bring long-lasting benefits.
During my final two years of high school, which were spent under the constraints of COVID lockdowns, I found the urge for distractions to be inevitable. To counter this, I created a dedicated workspace when I began my internship. I discovered that personalizing my workspace with posters, plants, knick-knacks (or even a fish tank) not only made it more inviting but also significantly enhanced my creativity and focus.
It is important to keep busy during the workday. However, be mindful not to overwhelm yourself. There is a common phenomenon where “Nearly two-thirds (64%) of workers based remotely acknowledged that they make efforts to create a constant online presence, a phenomenon the report calls the “green status effect”. I faced this challenge at the start of my internship but was lucky enough to have a team that values work-life balance. The ability to manage these pressures is important, even if you find yourself in a non-conventional workspace. It’s crucial to remember that it is still okay to take breaks. Walking, stretching, or whatever it may be to reduce stress is essential for mental clarity.
Starting a new job can be intimidating, and I initially hesitated to ask questions or offer help. Fortunately, I soon realized that asking questions is the best way to understand tasks and gain confidence in your work. Each task can hold different criteria, so asking for information or clarification will never hurt. This approach not only enhances the quality of your work but also provides the opportunity to assist others. During my time at Ideba, I have come to value the ability to learn while teaching. Having the ability to share knowledge can reinforce best practices that are not just in a professional setting but also in everyday life. This helped create a situation where you can learn more as you help others.
Everyone faces new beginnings. Though it may feel overwhelming at first, being able to adapt, connect, and understand your work environment will allow you to perform to your best abilities.
Sara Kate Jacobs – Research Intern
