Can Workers Climb the Career Ladder From Outside the Office?
The New York Times
Translating opportunities for networking, mentoring and advancement to the virtual world isn’t easy.
During his internship at a major bank last summer, Costa Kosmidis spent most of his time working remotely. The bank did its best to help interns bridge the distance, he said, including by putting into practice “an open ‘virtual door’ policy” that made senior staff readily available by phone or email for job-related queries and career advice.
Nevertheless, when Mr. Kosmidis, 22, starts a job at the same bank after graduating from Fordham University this year, he hopes to spend more time in the office.
“You can feel people’s energy better when you’re around them,” Mr. Kosmidis said. Assessing someone’s availability, for example, is trickier from afar: “It’s a quick glance when you’re in the office, but when you’re online, you’re not sure how much they have on their plate.”