Prepare an Effective Workspace & Appearance

Elevate your environment and look to exude professionalism.

5 minutes to complete

Check Icon Flat

Cheat Sheet for Success

The Cheat Sheet for Success

The modern workplace is evolving! Most of you will experience in-person and remote work settings due to the hybrid model being here to stay across industries.

Full-Time Employment Modes (WFHResearch)

👇 This cheat sheet helps you quickly identify how to best be effective in your workspace and appearance! 👇


🏢 In-person

🔁 Hybrid

💻 Remote

Appearance

Dress according to the organization’s dress code (ask supervisor ahead of time e.g. scrubs for medical externships).

Anticipate and follow in-person vs. remote days’ expectations.

Dress according to the dress code as required for video calls (ask supervisor), but still dress similarly when not on video calls to take work seriously.

Technology

  • Plan with supervisor to bring any personal devices for work-related tasks.
  • Can’t be on your personal devices for personal/non-work related tasks (may violate HIPAA in medical field).
  • Get familiar with basic office equipment.

Anticipate and follow in-person vs. remote days’ expectations.

  • Ensure reliable internet connection and headset/earphones.
  • Master video conferencing (e.g. Zoom) and communication (e.g. Slack) platforms.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues independently or with school or org’s IT.

Flexibility: Schedule & Location

  • Ask supervisor about any location and schedule info before first day, coordinating with school about transportation.
  • Arrive 5-15 minutes early to be on time and follow a set schedule/hours.
  • Be physically at the office until end time.

Plan schedule and communicate clearly about in-person vs. remote days, while adhering to both requirements.

  • Align with supervisor about daily schedule to ensure logging on to do externship work during required hours.
  • Don’t do personal/non-externship tasks during hours.
  • Work from anywhere with minimal distractions (co-working space, library, own room).

Communication & Collaboration

  • Frequent face-to-face interactions with eye-contact and positive body language.
  • Impromptu “water cooler” conversations.
  • Easier brainstorming with physical and digital tools.

Anticipate and follow in-person vs. remote days’ expectations.

  • Be proactive and responsive to scheduling video chats on laptop for brainstorming and team meetings.
  • Turn notifications on for instant messaging and email on phone and laptop.
  • Check-in with supervisor at least the beginning and end of day via messaging platform.
  • Must have strong virtual scheduling and presentation.