Learning and Working Remotely – An Internship Experience

Transitioning to remote working can be challenging, even for professionals, as it often lacks the opportunity for face-to-face interaction to discuss and resolve issues. Since the pandemic, there has been a major shift in people’s working style, particularly in corporate jobs where nearly everything can be done online. However, it becomes more challenging for individuals who are new to the industry and find themselves working remotely with limited knowledge and minimal interaction. Working from home may sound fun, but is it, really? Despite the challenges, here are my top five key takeaways for maximizing productivity and learning as an intern in a remote job. 

Write Down All Important Information

Whether you are working remotely or in person, expect to be provided with a substantial amount of information on your first day, and it will overwhelm you – trust me, it will. You will be introduced to the different subjects and tools that you may or may not be familiar with. Now is the best time to write all the key information down, such as login credentials for different tools or marking regular meeting times on your calendar, etc. Even though you can seek clarification from anyone at Snaptech as needed, writing things down will help you remember what to do not only on the first day but also whenever you need in the future. This idea applies to any topics or learning process that you find interesting throughout the time you will be at Snaptech or in any other internship.

Activate Work Mode Across All of Your Devices

During the initial two weeks of my internship, I encountered a significant source of distraction in the form of notifications from various social media platforms. Being someone who enjoys being active on those platforms, I found myself frequently checking my phone whenever a notification popped up, and it hindered my productivity. I strongly suggest playing with your devices’ settings and restricting the pop-up notifications during working hours. For IOS users, you might want to activate a work focus mode that is already set up by the device. Additionally, if you wish, you can utilize advanced settings to customize it according to your preference. If you are an Android user, follow this link to find out more about activating work mode for your devices. By doing so, you can effectively reduce the disruptions that may arise during your work hours.

Move Your Limbs in Between Each Task

At Snaptech, everyone is vocal about taking short breaks in between tasks to give your mind and body rest, particularly given the nature of remote work. Engaging in physical activity and moving your limbs for a few minutes during these breaks can have numerous positive benefits on your overall well-being and productivity. During my first week, I experienced a sense of being overwhelmed not primarily due to the new information I was introduced to, but rather because of the adjustment to the new working environment. Taking short movement breaks eliminates mental exhaustion from staring at the screen for so long, ultimately enhancing productivity. Colleagues at Snaptech have shared various simple exercises that can be done during these breaks, such as quickly doing laundry, performing squats, walking down the stairs, or even taking a moment to feed your pets. These activities help reenergize both your body and mind, allowing you to maintain focus, enhance creativity, and combat the sedentary nature of remote work.

Give Yourself Some Love

Although it might seem unrelated to the remote job, based on my experience, a remote job can easily burn you out. There will be moments you feel confused and unmotivated and that’s when the imposter syndrome will kick in. You may question your own capabilities and wonder if you were truly qualified for the job, especially if it’s your first position in the industry, as it was for me. Despite these circumstances, it is crucial to recognize your accomplishments, whether they are big or small, and celebrate them. Give yourself credit for your achievements, whether it’s meeting deadlines, finishing tasks, or maintaining a productive routine. By acknowledging your efforts, you build up a positive mindset and boost your self-confidence, which in turn enhances motivation and overall well-being while working from home.

Ask Questions

Last, but not least, it is crucial to practice asking questions. Particularly if you’re new to the industry, it’s understandable to feel hesitant about asking questions, as you might fear that you will be labeled as unsuitable for the job. I too have experienced the reluctance to ask the same question again, even after it was explained to me on my first day. The fear of being perceived as incapable or unfit for the company can be terrifying. However, here’s a little secret: asking questions actually helps you build stronger relationships with your colleagues, and they will appreciate your questions as it shows that you are learning! It also allows you to seek clarity, and ensure that you’re on the right track. Additionally, remote work environments can sometimes feel isolating, with limited face-to-face interaction and immediate access to colleagues or superiors. However, asking questions allows you to open communication, encourage collaboration, and help build stronger relationships with your remote team members. I swear by this method, you will quickly feel like a part of the team, even when working remotely.