Hi everyone! My name is Samia Ali, and I am currently in my Final Year of Accounting BSc (Hons) course. A fun fact about me is I can speak 4 languages and currently learning my 5^th just for fun! As a part of my course, I had the opportunity to do my placement year at Travelport as a Group Controllership Intern in the Corporate Finance sector. My role was flexible, I worked from home three days a week and went into the office two days a week. This hybrid model taught me so much about balancing remote work with in-office collaboration, and I want to share some tips I learned about staying organized and making the most of a remote placement.

Getting Started: Finding My Rhythm

When I first started my placement, I realized that working from home required a lot more discipline than I initially expected. Without the structure of an office environment every day, it was up to me to create a routine that kept me productive. I set up a dedicated workspace in my room and stuck to a consistent schedule. This helped me mentally separate “work time” from “home time,” which was key to staying focused.

Staying Organized: The Game-Changer

I believe being organized is essential to success in any role, but especially in a remote or hybrid placement. Here are some things that worked for me:

• Using a tracker: I kept a tracker for all my tasks and deadlines. This was especially helpful when juggling different projects, as I could easily prioritize what needed to be done.
• Planning my week: Every Monday morning, I’d look at my calendar for the week ahead and plan out what I wanted to accomplish each day.
• Setting reminders: With so many virtual meetings, I relied on calendar notifications to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

By staying on top of my work, I was able to show my team that I could handle responsibilities independently, which helped build their trust in me.

Communication is Key

One thing I learned quickly is that in a remote setting, communication becomes even more important. Since I wasn’t always physically present in the office, I made a conscious effort to keep my manager and team updated on my progress.

• I attended regular check-ins with my manager to discuss my tasks and ask for feedback.
• I made sure to respond promptly to emails and messages on Teams.
• If I was ever unsure about something, I didn’t hesitate to ask questions—being remote doesn’t mean being isolated!

Building Connections Remotely

Networking can feel a bit tricky when you’re not in the office every day, but I found ways to build relationships with my colleagues. During my office days, I made it a point to have conversations with my team over coffee or lunch. For my remote days, I scheduled virtual chats with coworkers to learn more about their roles and experiences. These interactions not only helped me feel more connected but also gave me insights into different areas of the business.

Taking Care of Myself

Working from home has its perks, but it also comes with challenges; like knowing when to stop. At first, I found myself answering emails late into the evening, but I quickly realized how important it is to set boundaries. I made sure to log off at a reasonable time and take regular breaks during the day to recharge. Small things, like stepping outside for a walk or doing a quick workout, made a big difference in keeping my energy levels up.

Reflecting on My Experience

Looking back, my placement at Travelport was an incredible learning experience. Working in a hybrid setup taught me skills like time management, adaptability, and self-discipline, which I know will be valuable throughout my career. I also gained confidence in my ability to contribute to a team, whether I was in the office or working remotely.

My Tips for Future Remote Interns

For anyone about to start a remote or hybrid placement, here’s my advice:

1. Stay organized—A tracker or planner can be your best friend.
2. Communicate proactively—Keep your team updated and ask questions when needed.
3. Set boundaries—Maintain a work-life balance to avoid burnout.
4. Be proactive—Take the initiative to connect with colleagues and seek out learning opportunities.

Remote placements are a unique opportunity to develop skills that will set you apart in the workplace. Embrace the flexibility, but stay disciplined and engaged. Trust me, it’s worth it!

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Big thanks to Samia, one of our final-year Accounting BSc (Hons) students, for writing this blog!

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