Stepping into your first job? Welcome to the hybrid working world — where office life meets Zoom calls and learning the ropes means learning how to manage yourself too.
At a recent Graduate Mentor workshop, Josephine Hansom — researcher, leader, and Gen Z career expert — shared powerful advice for students and early-career professionals facing the brave new world of hybrid work.
Here’s a breakdown of the most valuable insights from the session, designed to help you thrive in your first job.
First Things First: What Even Is Hybrid Work?
Spoiler: It’s not one-size-fits-all.
“Hybrid” might mean working from home three days a week, or it might mean being part of a team spread across the country. Every company, and every manager, does it differently. So, when you start a new role, ask:
- What does hybrid working mean here?
- What’s expected of me in the office and at home?
- How do people communicate – email, chat, meetings?
Understanding the “vibe” and expectations early on will set you up for success.
Create the “Book of You”
This was one of the most talked-about takeaways from Josephine’s session: a personal user manual for your manager. Be sure to include:
- Who you are: anything important they should know (e.g., you’re dyslexic, you’re neurodiverse, you’re not a morning person).
- How you like to work: Do you prefer live collaboration or solo time?
- How you like feedback: Email with notes? A quick call? Face-to-face?
It helps your manager support you better, and helps you better understand yourself.
Get Comfortable Asking for Feedback (Yes, In Person)
One of the biggest pitfalls of hybrid working? Feedback that just becomes “track changes” on a Word doc. Instead, ask for feedback calls or face-to-face reviews. Why?
- You’ll understand the why behind edits.
- You’ll learn to think like your manager.
- You’ll get better, faster, and that’s how you grow.
It’s not needy — it’s professional development!
Keep Track of Your Work and Your Time
In a hybrid setting, no one can see you staying late or juggling five tasks. Previous to COVID19, coming in early and leaving late was a norm, and almost celebrated, in the office. Your manager can see how hard you’re working. Nowadays, with working outside the office, now a widespread practice, no one can see that you’re working just as hard. That’s why you need to:
- Log your work (even roughly).
- Communicate your workload.
- Say no when your plate’s full – this is not quitting; it’s being honest.
Managers can’t help you if they don’t know you’re drowning.
Why You Need to Work in Groups (and Not Go It Alone)
In university, success often hinges on your individual performance — your essay, your exam, your grade. But in the workplace, success is collaborative. Here’s why working in groups isn’t just helpful — it’s essential:
- You Get More Done, Faster
- Collaborating lets you divide tasks, share ideas, and solve problems quicker. When deadlines are tight, this is crucial.
- It Improves Your Work
- Peer feedback helps you catch mistakes, refine your thinking, and deliver stronger results — before it even reaches your manager.
- You Stay Visible and Connected
- Hybrid work can feel isolating. Group work keeps you engaged, helps build your network, and shows others what you’re capable of.
Be Seen, Be Social, Be a Team Player
When you’re feeling overwhelmed or deep in a project, it’s easy to retreat into your own bubble, especially in a hybrid or remote role. But staying connected with your team is just as important as completing your tasks. Visibility in the workplace isn’t about showing off; it’s about being part of the conversation, staying involved, and building trust with your colleagues.
Simple things like turning your camera on during meetings, speaking up in team calls, or joining casual chats and virtual socials can make a big difference. These small moments are how relationships form and how people start to see you as a valuable member of the team.
If you’re consistently silent or absent, it’s easy for others, including your manager, to unintentionally overlook you when opportunities come up. Being engaged helps you stay top-of-mind for new projects, mentoring, and growth opportunities. Don’t underestimate the power of showing up – even virtually.
Your Final Assignment: Make It Fun
Hybrid workplaces are still figuring out what “fun” looks like. The old “Friday beers” culture doesn’t cut it anymore. Gen Z, this is your time to shape it:
- Organise the virtual birthday cards.
- Suggest lunch-time games.
- Plan inclusive, creative team-building.
When work is fun, it’s better for everyone.
Summary: Your 3-Point Plan for Hybrid Work Success
- Create the Book of You – Let your manager know how to help you shine.
- Ask for in-person feedback – It’s how you grow.
- Make it fun – Your team will thank you.
Ready to thrive in your first job? Join us as a mentee today to get one-on-one support, build your network, and get expert advice that makes a difference.
