Peer Career Consultant Blogs

One topic that frequently comes up when students and young professionals discuss internships is the structure of the work environment: remote, hybrid, or fully in-person. Having experienced all three formats through different internships, I have come to appreciate the flexibility that remote work can offer. At the same time, I have found tremendous value in spending time in the office, especially early in one's career.

Early on, much of your learning happens informally. While structured training and documentation are helpful, some of the most valuable insights come from the small moments throughout the day. Being able to swivel your chair, ask a quick question, and get immediate clarification can dramatically accelerate your understanding of how things actually work. Processes that might take hours to decipher over email or Slack can often be explained in a few minutes through a quick conversation.

In-person environments also create opportunities to observe how experienced professionals approach their work. Listening in on conversations, seeing how colleagues structure meetings, and simply being present during problem-solving discussions provide context that is difficult to replicate remotely. These experiences help you understand not just what needs to be done, but why it is done that way.

That said, hybrid and remote work certainly have their place. They can offer flexibility, allow for focused independent work, and expand access to opportunities that might otherwise require relocation. For many professionals later in their careers, these formats can be extremely effective. However, when you are just starting, proximity to your team can make a significant difference in how quickly you learn and grow.

Ultimately, there is no single “right” format for everyone. But if you have the opportunity early in your career to spend time working in person alongside people you can learn from, it is an experience that can significantly deepen your understanding of the work and the industry.