ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY
NAVIGATING THE NEW WORLD OF WORK Remote working is not just a phase, but a necessary reality now. As such, it is important to be aware of how to manage the challenges of working from home to ensure the best possible start to your career.
T
he effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has led to more businesses adopting telecommuting and remote working. If you are just new to the job market, chances are this will be the arrangement you will find yourself in. On paper, getting to work from home sounds like a dream — no need to deal with dress codes, avoiding crowded commutes and having a flexible work schedule. But in reality, remote working comes with its own set of challenges. From staying motivated, knowing when to unplug and technology hiccups, these can and will impact your productivity if you do not tackle them quickly. Worried about what to do? Here are some tips that should help make your transition a little easier.
Be selfmotivated and disciplined Learn to work independently and without too much prompting from your supervisors. You can start by effectively managing your time and making sure that you adhere to deadlines and meeting times. Keep track of your progress by jotting it down — these notes will serve as a reminder in case you forget anything.
Be inquisitive Speak with your supervisor on how best they would like to receive updates from you, and be sure to follow through accordingly. If they prefer getting emails, consider preparing weekly reports that you can send at the end of each week. If they prefer video calls, come to those meetings prepared with notes, questions and potential ideas.
52
SUTD career guide 2022
Be resourceful Do some pre-reading and research on the company, and familiarise yourself with where things are, from the location of the online library to how some standard procedures work. Remember that if you are not sure about where anything is, just ask your co-workers or supervisors — no one expects you to know everything from the get-go, but be sure to remember once they tell you!
