Students and interns are balancing new adjustments to their daily routine including social distancing, self-isolation, and remote work. Here are a few tips on staying productive as we weather the storm.
1 REFRESH YOUR RESUME
You’ve been working and studying in Washington, DC on Capitol Hill, at non-profits and major companies. Be sure to highlight your accomplishments and experiences associated with your academic studies or career interest. Consider asking your current boss or colleague for a reference.
2 UPDATE YOUR LINKED-IN PROFILE
Take out your smart phone and review the many photos you’ve captured in DC. Look for photos that paints your experience. Capitalize and post about an impactful moment or your most loved memory thus far. Be sure to tag key people involved. There is no better way to communicate your interest in working with them in the future.
3 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES VIRTUALLY
Streaming platforms like Netflix have invented ways to connect friends and families via virtual watch parties. You can practice the same concept with current platforms such as iMessage games and group facetime or skype. Don’t let social distancing stop your connection with those who matter most to you. Simply develop ways to connect from afar. This is a great way to check on family, friends, and associates that do not here from you often.
4 SELF-CARE
We all have that one personal goal or project that constantly gets placed on the back burner amid the ever-busy life of the city. We often become so absorbed in the hustle and bustle that we neglect ourselves even in the smallest way. Take this time to put yourself first and get things done that matter most to you. At the least, catch up on your favorite show or start reading a new book.
5 READ & SUBSCRIBE
One way to grow professionally is to be in the know. This means reading literature about your career or academic interest. Many career and academic interests have dedicated groups that produce quality content making growth as a professional body possible. Subscribe to their monthly newsletters. Trust me, if you are interested in the content, it is more appealing in your inbox than the spam mail.
6 STAY INFORMED
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can keep you abreast of updates for the coronavirus. Likewise, local health departments can keep you updates on specific information in your area. While in DC, Sign up for District of Colombia Alerts through DC Homeland Security for email and/or text alerts in real time. Bookmark www.coronavirus.dc.gov for area updates.
It’s times like these that test our character and our fortitude. The good news is this won’t last forever. How we respond and adapt to the challenges we now face will determine how we develop into adults well after college.
Trust me when I tell you that when you remember this period of your life, WISH will be a highlight reel of memories.
Be safe out there!