How To Excel In A Remote Internship

With technology growing very fast and connecting people worldwide especially after COVID-19, remote works have increasingly become the norm. Every business, organisation or company has adopted the idea of working remotely or getting interns to work remotely as an opportunity for students to gain work experience. While remote internships have many benefits, such as flexibility and the opportunity to work with companies from different locations, they also come with unique challenges. In this article, we will provide tips on how to excel in a remote internship.

Table of Contents

How to Excel in a Remote Internship

Establish a dedicated workspace

Working remotely and not in a workspace comes with a lot of distractions and challenges. Thus, it’s important to have a designated workspace that’s free from distractions, where you can focus on your tasks and meetings. Make sure your workspace is comfortable and has everything you need to be productive.

A Jr. Consultant (Project Leader) at L.E.K Consulting, Jefferson Pike in his blog post on how to excel in virtual internship advices that when spending all day at a desk, it is important to have a comfortable setup that is easy on your body. And to achieve this, he suggests you purchase a dual monitor, such as the Dell Ultra Sharp U2412M 24-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor (x2), or a Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock, which has built-in Thunderbolt cable, 40 Gb/s, dual 4K support, USB 3.1 Gen 1, and Gigabit Ethernet. The laptop can also be equipped with HDMI-to-DVI cable and a smartphone app for a webcam. These devices are all inexpensive and can help you save money on your purchases.

Communicate proactively

Communication is key when working remotely. Make sure to respond to emails and messages promptly, and proactively reach out to your colleagues and supervisor to ask questions or provide updates.

Developing a relationship with the manager and conveying expectations are critical components of an internship. Be loud about what you want to do, under-promise, over-deliver, and clarify internship goals.

Manage your time effectively

Without the structure of a physical workplace, it’s important to manage your time effectively. Create a schedule for yourself and stick to it, and prioritise your tasks based on their importance and deadlines.

Keep track of your assignments and deadlines using a planner or project management tool. This will help you stay on top of your work and ensure that you meet your deadlines. You can use scheduling apps such as Trello to keep you on track and help with managing your time effectively.

Attend virtual events

One feature or characteristic of remote jobs or internships are the many virtual meetings, events and webinars organised by the management to help workers and equip their skills. Many companies will offer virtual events and webinars for their interns. Attend as many of these events as possible to learn more about the company and industry, and to network with other interns and professionals.

Be adaptable

Remote work can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be adaptable and flexible. Be prepared to adjust your schedule or priorities if needed, and stay positive and proactive in the face of change.

Take care of yourself

Lastly, it’s important to take care of yourself while working remotely. Make sure to take breaks, stay active, and maintain a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout.

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In conclusion, excelling in a remote internship requires a unique set of skills and strategies. It can be challenging to navigate the virtual world, but with dedication, discipline, and the right tools, you can make the most out of your experience. Remember to communicate effectively, manage your time, stay organized, and stay engaged with your team and work. Take advantage of the resources and opportunities available to you, such as mentorship programs, online training sessions, and networking events. By following these tips, you can excel in your remote or virtual internship and set yourself up for success in your future career.