Interns. How to stay socially connected!

Starting a new role is always a slightly daunting prospect. Especially when you’ve just graduated and you’re taking your first steps into the working world. Aside from learning your new responsibilities, you need to meet dozens of stakeholders, understand how to work together, and build a rapport with colleagues across the business.

 

Before Covid-19, this was a relatively straightforward task. But over the past year interns and graduates have needed to take on this task from the comfort of their homes. Despite the restrictions, we’ve continued to welcome interns across our business. It’s been a learning process for everyone involved – but we’re proud to say that we’ve been able to provide interns with an experience that rivals the traditional office experience.

 

Here we share our top five tips for any interns joining RWS, and how you can stay socially connected with your new colleagues.

 

Once you’ve been welcomed into the business, met your new colleagues and understand your role – you will quickly find yourself invited to regular video calls. While it’s not ideal, video calls (usually conducted though Microsoft Teams) is a great way to discuss ideas, have quick catch ups and engage with your colleagues. But remember – it’s important to use the camera when communicating virtually. Face-to-face interaction provides rich nonverbal clues, which enhances communication and relationship-building. The camera is also a great way to promote team cohesion and group identity.

 

When building trust, familiarity with each other is key. Don’t be afraid to message or jump on a call with you your manager or new colleagues. Normally you could ask the question from your desk, and without that contact it’s critical that you continue to have the same amount of interaction. Also try and join different teambuilding and icebreaker activities. It’s a great way of bonding and it promotes familiarity. Join company events, networks, Teams groups, and share your personality (and even humour!).

 

Once there is trust in place between the mentor/line manager and the intern, you will see that communication becomes much easier. You should have regular catch ups with your manager, and ideally weekly one-on-one sessions, where you can discuss your priorities for the past and upcoming week. Outline any challenging tasks, and don’t be afraid to ask for their advice. You should also understand your goals throughout your internship.

 

A human mind can only concentrate for 90 minutes before tuning out. We suggest the following technique to colleagues – work for 25 minutes and then take a five minute break (away from the screen). Repeat this four times and then take a 20-minute break. At the end of the day, even if you don’t feel like it, make sure you get out – meet a friend, go for a walk, or sit in a park. Just do something that takes you away from your home and work environment. 

 

It’s important to join team building exercises whenever possible. Quizzes, competitions, and team challenges (like walking 10 miles a day) help bring teams together. It’s also a great way to meet people in a non-working environment, where you can build a more informal relationship.

 

Over the past year we’ve welcomed hundreds of new interns to our global offices. While it’s been a challenge for both interns and their managers – by taking in consideration these tips, you will be well placed to make the most of your new working environment. If you would like to learn more about the RWS Campus, and how to join our internship program, click here.