Professional Development Quiz

Which of the following is a key aspect of proactive communication?

• Working on the problem until you are able to find a solution

• Completing presentations

• Requesting help and updating managers on progress and hurdles

• Exhausting all options before bothering someone with questions

Answer explanation

Interns who ask questions are viewed as motivated! Be PROactive with your communication, not REactive. If your workflow is slowing down, reach out for help!

What is the best FIRST day wear? (Pick all that apply irrespective of gender)

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Answer explanation

Dress varies by company, but you only get one first impression, so err towards over-dressing at first!

Button downs, nice pants, skirts of appropriate length, blouses, and dresses with shoulders covered are preferred, but there's no need for suits or ties.

As you learn your company culture you may find more casual shirts are acceptable.

What should you bring on your first day (or have on hand when working virtually)?

• Laptop & writing utensil

• School uniform

• Company badge/login credentials

• Prepared/packed lunch

Answer explanation

It's always better to bring a laptop/notebook and not need it than to leave it behind!

Code2College also recommends packing/meal prepping on the first day in case you don't have time to buy/fix one.

Scenario:

You're starting to feel tired at work and feel your work slowing down. What should you do?

• Get an energy drink

• Stand up and take a short walk around

• Eat something at your desk to stay awake

• Leave work early since you're being inefficent

Answer explanation

Make sure you're getting plenty of sleep, but sitting for a long time can lead to stiffness and sleepiness. A short walk even to the break room (or around the house if working virtually) can help wake your body up.

If you haven't eaten yet, lunch can help pick you up, but try to avoid eating at your desk.

During a meeting where you need to stay seated and engaged, you can try taking more detailed notes to keep yourself focused.

Scenario:

You've received feedback that you aren't communicating with your manager enough. How do you improve your communication?

• Send a message to your manager every time you complete a step of a task

• Ask questions during meetings

• Determine regular intervals to reach out with questions and work updates

• Request feedback on work you've completed

• Break up your update message into multiple to increase the amount of notifications

Answer explanation

You want to make sure your coworkers know you're engaged without blowing up their notifications. Don't break up one message into multiple, but make sure you're providing regular updates.

Reassess how you've been reaching out and what aspects might not be meeting manager expectations.

Asking questions is a great way to show you're engaged and to learn!

What is a goal related to professional relationships?

• Completing 100% of presentations

• Making LinkedIn connections and a gratitude post

• Networking in the workplace

• Meeting 100% of deadlines

Answer explanation

Meeting work goals builds a positive perception with your coworkers, but you have to follow through on networking to leverage that good relationship into future career growth!

Note: the only social media it is appropriate to make contact with coworkers on is LinkedIn.

You want to build a stronger professional relationship with a remote coworker. What should you do?

• Add them on LinkedIn and include a personalized note in the connection request

• Make small talk with them before a meeting starts

• Talk with them in the chat during a virtual meeting

• Ask to schedule a virtual coffee chat to get to know them better

Answer explanation

It can be hard to build relationships virtually, but make sure you aren't ignoring responsibilities and other speakers.

Scenario:

You work virtually Monday/Wednesday/Friday and come into the office Tuesday/Thursday. Thursday evening realize you left your phone at work. What should you do?

• Go back after hours Thursday to retrieve it

• Walk-in on Friday to collect it

• Email your manager asking if you can come in on Friday to pick it up and offer to work from the office that day

• Try to go the next four days without it

Answer explanation

Never show up after hours, on the weekend, or unannounced unless you're certain your company has a flexible open-door policy.

For something truly important like your phone, it's reasonable to request permission to come in outside of your schedule. For anything you can do without, wait until your next in-office day. You can offer to work from the office that day so the trip doesn't cut into your work time.

What is one of the items to discuss with your company when closing your internship?

• Returning company tech

• Planning the next project

• Organizing a farewell party

• Scheduling a final meeting

Answer explanation

Failing to return company property (tech and security badges in some cases) can result in legal action.

Who should you contact first if you are interested in a return offer at your host company?

• Code2College

• Your manager

• HR department

• Your mentor

Answer explanation

Return offers must always go through Code2College.