With a very rapid growth of technology and connecting people all over the world, especially after COVID-19, remote working has increasingly become the norm. Every company, organization or company has adopted the idea of remote working or having interns work remotely as an opportunity for students to gain work experience. While remote internships have many benefits, such as flexibility and the ability to work with companies in different locations, they also come with unique challenges. In this article, we provide tips on how to excel in an external internship.
How to excel in an external internship
Set up a dedicated workspace
Working remotely and not in a workspace brings many distractions and challenges. So it’s important to have a designated workspace 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 LEK Consulting, Jefferson Pike, advises in his blog post on how to excel in virtual internship that it is important to have a comfortable setup that is easy on your body when sitting at a desk all day . And to achieve this, he recommends purchasing 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 a 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 an 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. Be sure to respond promptly to emails and messages 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 crucial parts of an internship. Make it clear what you want to do, promise too little, deliver too much and clarify internship goals.
Manage your time effectively
Without the structure of a physical workplace, it’s important to manage your time effectively. Make a schedule for yourself and stick to it, prioritizing your tasks based on their importance and deadlines.
Track your assignments and deadlines using a planner or project management tool. This way you stay informed about your work and make sure you meet your deadlines. You can use scheduling apps like Trello to keep you on track and manage your time effectively.
Attend virtual events
A feature or hallmark of remote jobs or internships is the many virtual meetings, events and webinars organized by management to help employees and equip their skills. Many companies offer virtual events and webinars for their interns. Attend as many of these events as you can to learn more about the company and industry and network with other interns and professionals.
Be flexible
Remote work can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be flexible and adaptable. Be prepared to adjust your schedule or priorities if necessary and remain positive and proactive about changes.
Take care of yourself
Finally, 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 short, excelling in a remote internship requires a unique set of skills and strategies. Navigating the virtual world can be challenging, but with dedication, discipline, and the right tools, you can get 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. Following these tips will help you excel in your remote or virtual internship and set yourself up for success in your future career.