"I'll Call You Regarding the Email You Sent About The Facebook Post That Made Fun of the Instant Message You Wrote Me Yesterday...."

Adjusting to a new work environment can be both intimidating and nerve-wracking.  Your first day at an internship is a lot like your first day at school.  What am I going to wear?  Where am I going to sit?  Who am I going to talk to?  Is my supervisor going to be friendly?  I hope my coworkers like me!  Don't worry--these thoughts are entirely normal.  However, there IS one way you can make yourself stand out early on in your internship. 

Communication is key in any successful professional setting.  Whether you want to be a doctor, a fashion designer or the CEO of a major company, the ability to communicate effectively will always be a necessary skill.  As millenials, we are familiar with how technology, such as the Internet and other social media, has transformed communication in our society.  But with this in mind, how do we know the best way to relay a message to our peers or supervisors in a new office?  Below, I have outlined a couple of different ways to help differentiate yourself from the crowd and master communication in the workplace.

Tips and Tricks for Effective Technological Communication

1)   Take advantage of intern orientation—Do not be afraid to ask questions about how to use the technology and communication resources that are available to you.   You should use the time you have with HR representatives, IT workers and/or your manager wisely.  This is your chance to learn how the email, phone and communication systems work without inconveniencing anyone down the line.  Orientation is also a great time to ask your superiors which form of technology they use the most to communicate with others.   Of course, technology does not always run smoothly or without problems.  Just in case, write down a list of people you can contact if you have any trouble with your computers, phones or other technological systems in the future. 

2)   Observe the office culture---How do your coworkers and supervisor(s) communicate?  Do they prefer to talk to one another via email, instant messaging or phone?  How often do they meet to discuss work-related issues in person?  It is not unusual for a group of professionals to utilize various communication methods in the workplace.  Although it may take a week or two to grasp, pay attention to the way your manager engages with others.  Chances are that this is the way they prefer others to communicate with them.  For example, if your supervisor uses the company instant messaging system to reach his or her coworker, he or she may respond quicker to you if you utilize that medium as well.

3)    Determine the immediacy of a message and its importance to the receiver—Before relaying a message to a coworker or superior, use your judgment to decide how important the message is and how quickly the receiver needs to be informed of its content.  If your manager is on his or her way to a meeting and needs to know that there is a major switch in the agenda, calling their work phone may be more appropriate than sending them an email minutes before the meeting starts. 

4)   Be specific, concise and clear in your communication—As I am sure you are aware, the tone (or lack thereof) of a message can sometimes skew its intended meaning.  Consequently, it is imperative that you read and reread a message, particularly an email, text or instant message, before hitting send.  The last thing that you want is for the recipient to misinterpret what you are truly trying to say.  When in doubt, use a phone or meet with the other person directly to discuss important information.  This will help avoid any potential confusion and make the communication much more clear. 

5)   Ask to schedule weekly/biweekly meetings with your manager—By making a point to meet with your supervisor in person, you allow yourself the opportunity to ask questions and receive direct feedback in a face-to-face setting.  Weekly meetings are also a great chance to build rapport with your supervisor(s) and get to know him or her outside of the workplace.  In building a relationship with your manager, you are more likely to respect their work ethic and communication style.