Newbie 101: Finding the right assignment teammates

Regardless of your major or personality, teammates can make or break your university experience. Whether for class projects, startups, or competitions, who you work with matters. After years of trial and error, here’s what I’ve learned about finding the right people to work with.

1. Be the teammate that everyone wants to work with

Yes, you read that right. It all starts with you. Before stressing over finding the perfect team, ask yourself: What do I bring to the table?

It might be your critical thinking, design skills, or simply your reliability and discipline – the values you bring to the table in a team don’t have to be grand. Small, consistent efforts like following through, communicating clearly, or keeping things organised often make the biggest difference.

People are drawn to teammates who are committed, consistent, and collaborative. When you show up with the right mindset, the right people will notice. Be the teammate you want to have first, then great teammates with follow naturally.

So, instead of stressing over finding the perfect team right away, focus on being a good teammate yourself. When you show up with the right attitude, skills, and dedication, the right people will find you, and meaningful collaborations will follow suit.

a group of students working in a fashion class

2. Know what teammates you are looking for

Before finding the right teammate, be clear about what you need. Do you want someone with specific skills: coding, design, research, or project management? Partnering with someone who complements your weaknesses creates opportunities to learn from each other and achieve stronger results. Teamwork isn’t about finding a clone of yourself, but it’s about balance.

Personality and communication styles also affect team harmony. You might prefer a highly structured partner, while others work better with spontaneity. For instance, a friend of mine is an early bird who can’t work late, so I had to decide if I could adapt to her schedule. Or maybe you thrive on late-night work sessions. These differences can cause friction unless discussed openly from the start.

Finally, and most importantly, align the shared goal. Is your teammate aiming for a High Distinction (HD) or Distinction (DI) grade, gaining experience, or just a Pass (PA)? Sharing realistic goals upfront helps avoid frustration and keeps the collaboration productive.

Once you’ve clarified these points, spotting the right teammate becomes much easier.

When I first started at RMIT Vietnam, I didn’t know anyone. But after making a few connections, my network naturally grew, introducing me to more teammates and collaborators who shared my values. That’s the thing: people naturally connect with those who align with their mindset and work style. Through these mutual friends, you’ll also gain valuable insights into a person’s reliability.

When you find people like that—hold tight. Those are the friends and collaborators worth keeping.

3. Watch out for red flags

I’ve met plenty of people who claim they aim for a DI or HD, but their actual aim, or their commitment level, doesn’t match at all. Some even take advantage of others who are hard-working and earnest.

In situations like this, the key is simple: watch their actions, not just their words. Instead of relying on what they say, pay attention:

Do they attend class regularly?
Do they meet deadlines?
Do they follow through on their commitments?
Do they actively participate and contribute to group discussions?

Usually, within the first one or two weeks, their true colours will show. Good teammates reveal themselves naturally, you just need to pay attention. Look for those who show up consistently, contribute meaningfully, and communicate well. They’re often the ones asking thoughtful questions in class or offering help without being asked. The best teammates genuinely want the group to succeed, empower those around them, and make you feel confident in your role.

three students one male and two female working on campus

I learned this the hard way in my first semester at RMIT. I once ignored red flags like a teammate joking about paying someone to write assignments or repeatedly missing deadlines. I kept hoping they’d change, but the truth is: they didn’t.

No matter what happens, always stay professional. If someone isn’t serious about learning or is dishonest, have a direct conversation. If necessary, consider changing groups or adjusting your team, as allowed by your lecturer.

Another important tip: keep everything clear and documented from the start. Divide the work clearly, like who does what, and by when. That way, if someone doesn’t follow through, you have a fair basis to discuss it or report it. This transparency helps avoid drama because expectations are clear from day one.

Setting clear boundaries early and sticking to them saves a lot of stress and makes group work smoother.

4. GPA or showcased work only tell part of the story

Having a high GPA or an impressive showcase work is great – it is usually a recognition of one’s effort, dedication, and hard work. But let’s be clear: those things alone don’t make someone a trustworthy teammate; they don’t tell you how that person behaves in a team.

Someone might have excellent grades or outstanding work but still be a ‘red flag’ in teamwork. Sometimes, those with strong individual results may struggle to cooperate, adapt, or respect others’ input, especially if they have an inflated ego. That kind of mindset can quickly create tension and imbalance within a team. Attitude, communication, reliability, and the ability to handle pressure often matter just as much, if not more than, academic achievements.

On the other hand, someone with a lower GPA might actually be incredibly dependable, hardworking, and open to learning; those qualities truly sustain effective collaboration.

Grades and portfolios are like book covers. To know the full story, observe how they communicate, adapt, and contribute to real scenarios.

5. Embrace the uncertainty

Not every team will be perfect. There are times when some of us have to carry the weight of a poorly performing teammate, or work with people that we completely mismatch in terms of working style. It could be frustrating, exhausting, and even disappointing, or at least for me. But looking back, I realised that every teammate I've worked with, good or bad, taught me something. Some gave me valuable lessons during good times; others, through challenges and conflict.

Through these experiences, I’ve learned that adaptability is one of the most important skills you can develop, and teamwork is where it’s tested the most. When you work with people you don’t know well, or don’t always agree with, then you’re pushed to learn how to adjust your style, solve conflicts, and work under pressure.

At the same time, you also learn a lot about yourself such as your limits, your triggers, and your potential to lead. These aren’t just useful in university life. They’re life skills that employers value far more than anything found in a textbook.

In the end, finding the right teammates isn’t always about getting it right on the first try. It’s about learning, adapting, and growing. Stay open, stay grounded, and trust the process. I hope this mindset helps you make the most of the semester ahead and find the best teammates for the years to come.

Story: Pham Thanh Thao, a Professional Communication student at RMIT Vietnam. This article does not reflect the views of RMIT Vietnam.

11 June 2025

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Newbie 101: Finding the right assignment teammates