Navigating the professional realm can be tough, especially for those who are new to the workforce. It seems at a first glance that there are many unspoken rules, as well as rules that it feels like everyone knows but you. This article dives into some of these feelings of unsurety and answers the questions that we sometimes do not want to ask.
Hence, we present to you, professional setting FAQs!
1.) What do I wear to the workplace?
It is very normal to stress about what you wear to the workplace and you may feel that you need to plan your outfit ahead of time, we have all been there! Although we have all had similar experiences in rigorously planning our first day of work outfits, the answer as to what you should wear to the workplace really varies depending on the job, company, and environment. For more clarity on what to wear when you start work, make sure to refer to your specific dress code, or perhaps look at your workplace’s social media and company website photo albums to garner an understanding! Even if this task seems daunting, it is best to remember to always present yourself in a manner that you want to be perceived!
2.) How long is too long to respond to an email?
Some consider responding to emails as an art, down to how to structure an email, how to relay tone, and, most importantly, when to respond. Emails are different from the standard text or perhaps snapchat that you want to mull over, unlike these forms of communication, emails in the workplace should be responded to as soon as you can, as it takes a brief time to clarify a question or respond to a statement. The standard time to respond to an email should be at least within 24 hours of the first email. There are exceptions to this, for example, like if you are out of office, it is a holiday, or it is over the weekend out of business hours. Even if you feel like you do not have an answer to email, simply communicate that! Allowing your coworkers to be in the loop is beneficial for the whole work environment, and communication is key!
3.) When should I ask questions?
Asking questions may seem intimidating for many reasons, like the fear that you will get judged for not knowing the answer or you are expected to know the content of the question. While this mindset might feel nerve wracking at the moment, just remember that nobody is going to judge you for trying to better your understanding, if anything, asking questions is a good thing! It means that you care to know more about the content of your work so that you can be better. With this information, know that anytime you need help with a task is a good time to ask a question! This can be communicating to a boss through email, slack, or other forms of web communication, or asking them in person. It is not a good idea to interrupt somebody in the middle of something, like a presentation or work meeting which you are not a part of, but other than that, questions are welcomed in the workplace!
4.) What do I do before starting out?
Before starting out at your workplace, it is a good idea to try to loop yourself in by doing your research. Although you probably would have done research in order to choose the workplace, once you are hired, it is a good idea to look at the company calendar for any joint events, tasks, meetings, etc. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the resources that your workplace has to offer, like its various social media outlets. This way, you can connect with your workplace on a broader level than your specific position.
Some more questions about the workplace are often centered on those situations where you may not know what to do and it seems that answers can not be found in company handbooks, social media pages, or onboarding documents. These questions may seem a little more uncomfortable or personal to you. Luckily, we have answered some questions about how to conduct yourself in the workplace below!
1.) How do I voice a contradicting opinion while staying polite?
Voicing a contradicting opinion might seem awkward, and you may feel like you can not share your opinion without offending the other person. These concerns are valid, but having everybody’s voice heard in the workplace is important to facilitate a good work culture, and there are many ways to politely say you disagree, one of those being a compliment sandwich. A compliment sandwich is where you first start voicing your opinion by alleging one thing you liked or agreed with that your co-worker mentioned, offering the issue you have with it, and then offering a solution and constructive way to move forward. By following this method, it's easier to ensure that everybody is treating each other with respect and being charitable towards each other’s ideas while being honest and offering opinions.
2.) What do I do if I am having a difficult time and find work falling behind as a priority?
If you are having a difficult time and your work is suffering as a result, the best way to move forward is to communicate. Life happens, and while it may feel like work is the most important thing, taking care of yourself is. Your coworkers are humans, too, and we are all humans before employees. Communicating to a boss about your situation can mean that perhaps your project gets an extension so you're not stretched thin, or your tasks are distributed more proportionately.
3.) How do I get better at managing my time?
One of the best ways to get better at managing your time is to know how you work and how long your tasks take. Next time you have a task or a project that you are working on, try to be observant or even time yourself to see how long it takes. Once you gather this information, you can approximate how long your tasks will take and timeblock appropriately. A lot of time management comes from being more in tune with the work you're doing and how you know you work best.
Lastly, you may have some questions about your tailored SIP experience, like how to navigate the program and the standard you should hold yourself to. Below we have included some answers to SIP-specific questions!
1.) When should I keep the SIP team in the loop?
Make sure to email the SIP team (support@empowerly.com) with new milestones in your internship, like when you are offered and match, and when you have signed the appropriate forms. Also, engaging with our email content is vital to your success so we can make sure you are on the right track.
2.) Why is it important to communicate with the SIP team?
The SIP team is here to help and see you succeed! Therefore, it is important that we have information about where you are with your SIP cycle so that we can get you matched and excelling at an internship!
3.) What happens if I do not complete tasks or respond to emails?
While the SIP team will provide you with reminders, instructional emails, and also get your parents involved to push you towards your success, ultimately, it is you who is responsible for matching and performing at your internship. Failure to keep up with the SIP cycle dates will result in removal from the cycle, as outlined in the student contract.