The transition from university to the workplace comes with new expectations. Unlike university life, where you might get away with late submissions and skipping the occasional lecture, the workplace requires professionalism, accountability and respect for others’ time.
BE PUNCTUAL
- Arrive on time and avoid leaving work early without a valid reason.
- If you need to start late, leave early or take time off, seek permission from your manager and explain your reason. Do not assume it is acceptable to be “flexible”.
- Always seek permission for absences during official work hours, even when working remotely.
- Be punctual for meetings — both in-person and online. Log in a few minutes early to prepare and avoid technical issues.
BE PROFESSIONAL
- Dress appropriately for your workplace — when in doubt, follow your team’s dress norms.
- For interns, treat your internship with the same seriousness as a full-time job.
- Show respect to everyone, regardless of their role.
- Behave in a mature and respectful way with everyone.
- Avoid using slang, acronyms or informal language in professional communication.
- Maintain professionalism in both speech and email writing.
- Use clear and concise language in emails and other communications to ensure your message is easily understood.
Tip
Go to this article to learn how to write an email properly.
BE ATTENTIVE
- Listen actively when colleagues or supervisors are speaking, especially when they are sharing insights or teaching you the ropes.
- Avoid distractions like phones and keep them on silent mode during work hours.
- During meetings, stay engaged. If the meeting is virtual, keep your camera on when appropriate and avoid multitasking.
BE APPROACHABLE
- Engage with your colleagues and take the initiative to connect.
- Be a supportive team member — collaborate, share credit and help others when possible.
- Show humility and openness to differing viewpoints.
- Be mindful of how your actions may affect others.
- Avoid gossip or office politics. Focus on building trust and positive working relationships.
BE ACCOUNTABLE
- If you make a mistake, take responsibility and work to resolve it. This builds up trust and credibility.
- Deliver what you promise. If you commit to a task, complete it on time and to the best of your ability.
- Keep your manager updated on progress, especially for ongoing or critical work.
BE WILLING TO LEARN AND WORK HARD
- Put your best effort into every task, regardless of how routine or small they seem. Your attitude matters as much as the outcome.
- Do well in simple tasks to earn trust for more important work.
- Use every opportunity to learn from colleagues, feedback and gain new experiences.
- Show initiative by volunteering for additional tasks or projects when appropriate.
The same workplace etiquette applies whether you are working in an office or remotely and is relevant for both internships and full-time positions. By being professional, responsible and proactive, you can make a lasting impression and set the foundation for a successful career.