There will always be a time in college when you have something to do, but you really really could not be bothered. Maybe you're doing an internship or work-placement for college credit. You've either done all the work but need to put in more hours, don't want another assignment lumped on top of you, or the work is so mind-numbingly boring that you've been putting it off all day. Watching sloths roll over on YouTube is more interesting than inputting clients' information into a database. Maybe you're not on placement but have an assignment due that your OCD housemate wants you to do together, so drags you along to the library. How do you convince your supervisor/boss/housemate that you're actually doing some work? These tips can easily be used in a work/internship/placement setting. Because is anyone really doing any work there or are they just checking tags on Tumblr?
1) Distract With Stationery
Cover your desk in the library with paper, post-its and pens. Really, the more the better. Every time they look over at you, you'll look like you are deep in study mode, when actually you're checking Twitter trending topics and joining in on Reddit threads.
2) Use The Stationary
Every so often, pick the papers up and shuffle them together into piles. Every other minute write on the post-its and leave them around your computer. Make notes in your notebook or refill pad. It'll look like you're super busy and concentrating on the task at hand, when really you're doodling in the corner of your notepad.
3) Block Out The World With Earphones
They are protection against unwanted penetration, like a forcefield or a fence. You can't hear them and if you're in the library they can't shout at you. If they do try to penetrate your forcefield, have excuses ready to what you're doing. You might be watching the latest episode of New Girl, but you could be listening to music while you are proofreading your essay/reading that email from your boss.
4) Obscure With Sunglasses
Maybe you're hungover, maybe you're tired, or maybe you're sleeping. There are no laws against wearing sunglasses inside. Throw them on and take a nap. Just be sure to leave a valid tab open on your computer, because the screen could be reflected in those glasses. Why not invest in those glasses that make you look like you have your eyes open?
5) Type With Purpose
Yeah, you're probably messaging your friends on Facebook, or checking Instagram, or writing a Tumblog but you don't want other people to notice. Try to write with a serious face, like you're bored with whatever is going on. Have a boss key ready in case someone comes over to check on you. If someone asks what you're doing you can believably tell them that you're writing an email to your boss/professor or typing up a report/proofreading your bibliography. Nothing is more boring than proofreading your bibliography!
6) Stare Thoughtfully
Sometimes our mind just needs a break. Stare intently at the screen and then click your mouse and maybe type feverishly for a moment. To an innocent bystander it looks like you're really concentrating on your work, when really, you're making a shopping list in an email or writing a bitchy comment on a YouTube video.
7) Convince With Coffee
Have a few empty coffee mugs/cups left around your desk. You may look like a slob or you may look like someone who hasn't left their work in a while. You'll appear committed to the task at hand. If you're at the desk reinforce this image by taking frequent sips while staring at your screen. Using that energy to fuel your work. Plus all those breaks you keep taking are easily explained away: bathroom trips, you drank a lot of coffee.
8) Leave For A Reason
Going to the bathroom, grabbing a coffee, checking out a book, going to the photocopier. All valid reasons to leave for a while. Bring a folder or notebook with you so if they notice you leaving you look like you're on a mission to find a book or get some sort of work done. Walking with purpose is key, like you are on a mission. If you were gone for a while and they've noticed, tell them you had some 'stomach issues' and there was a queue at the bathroom. No one will want any more details than that.
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