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The COVID-19 outbreak placed a hard stop to many things but it also introduced a new phenomenon in our lives i.e. remote work. When everything went remote, so did internships, apprenticeships, and campus placements. Finding an internship started looking harder than ever with many companies choosing to go remote or canceling their programs for the year. In this situation, the best solution was to adapt. Hence, remote internships also became the new norm and are pretty common these days.
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What is a Remote Internship?
A remote internship, also known as a virtual internship or online internship, is a type of internship where the intern works remotely or from a location other than the company's physical office. In a remote internship, the intern carries out their responsibilities, tasks, and projects through online communication tools, digital platforms, and remote collaboration methods.
Read more: What is Telecommuting?
Why are Remote Internships important?
While there are lots of benefits of remote internships, a research study by Global workplace analytics unveiled that remote workers are 35%-40% more productive than their office counterparts. These internships offer young professionals a chance to gain experience and improve their resumes. Taking on virtual work also means that you can work with diverse teams from anywhere in the world as long as you can work independently with minimal supervision.
Remote internships are being adopted by companies all over the world. These can be undertaken from anywhere as you are not required to physically be at work or in a place to qualify for such an opportunity. All you need is an active internet connection and a working laptop to get things started. Additionally, you can follow some key steps to enhance your search for remote internship .
How to be successful with a Remote Internship?
1. Set goals and understand the expectations
Remote internships are the perfect opportunity to learn new skills and gain hands-on experience. However, they will not be effective if you take them without any goals or understanding of what is expected of you. Try to have an open conversation with your superiors about what your career goals are. Tell them how you want this internship to improve your skills, develop your career and aid your personal growth. Also, if you’re looking for a permanent position shortly after the internship, be transparent. Ask your manager how they can create or find the right position for you?
Moreover, it is imperative that you ask about what is expected from you as an intern. You should know what you are expected to contribute to, how you should support team members with tasks and take on specific responsibilities, etc.
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2. Create a work schedule & stick to deadlines
Having a clear work schedule keeps you ahead of others and helps you complete tasks on the given deadline. Always plan out your responsibilities and tasks for the week and map it into smaller blocks of work. Begin your day with a to-do list of tasks to be completed and focus on getting it done over the course of the day. This way you can communicate any delays in advance with your supervisor. You can use free tools like Trello or Evernote to plan your schedule and make the most out of your remote work experience.
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3. Ask Questions & Overcommunicate
Asking questions and communicating frequently with your team, especially if you are an intern, can do wonders for you.You can ask for relevant details for the task at hand and try to get feedback on the finished projects. Communicate with your supervisor about how they would like to receive updates – be it through emails, chat, or even third-party platforms like Slack. Share daily, weekly and bi-weekly updates to stay on track with your work plan and over-communicate if needed.
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4. Create a Dedicated Workspace
When working remotely, it is recommended to have designated space. Select a quiet area in your house to be your workspace with minimal distractions. Declutter the area and set up a desk with space for your laptop and other items you would need during work hours. You could add a plant, family pictures, or anything else to personalize your work desk. Avoid working from your bed, couch, or any other places where you might be more prone to relax. Make sure to tidy your work area and keep it clean for the next day.
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5. Have Feedback Sessions
Check-in with your supervisor at the beginning and end of every week and open up about what you have learned, the difficulties that you faced, and the kind of guidance you need. If your supervisor prefers to have a face-to-face conversation, prepare for video calls and arrange your notes, questions, and thoughts in advance.
Related Article: How to maximize the benefits of remote internships
6. Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
A letter of recommendation is an endorsement from your previous employer that you possessed the right skills and attitude to perform tasks to perfection. This kind of an affirmation from your supervisor can add immense value to your resume when you start applying for jobs. So, at the end of your internship, make sure to ask your supervisor to leave a recommendation for you. This will definitely help build and add credibility to your profile. You should make sure to ask for it a few weeks prior to your internship end date. Many companies provide these as part of their off-boarding process so make sure to ask the HR Manager about these before your last day.
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How to find a Remote Internship?
If you’re struggling to find a virtual internship, we might be able to help. At Qureos, we offer a variety of internships to students and recent graduates for different categories. These include sales & digital marketing, business operations, product and data. Both remote internships and in-person internships are offered. Here’s why you should join Qureos:
- Learn through hands-on industry specific projects with guidance of industry mentors, along with peers who are on the same journey
- Be part of a global community of like-minded learners and educators
You should also check out more details on how to find a remote internship.
You can also build your portfolio by completing portfolio projects and stand out to recruiters with relevant experience as you showcase the right skills and tools to land the right internship for you. Here are a few projects for you to check out;
Marketing Project: Build a Brand Awareness Campaign
Customer Experience Project: Elevating Customer Experiences
Management Project: Excellence Through Agile Project Management
Conclusion
Remote internships should be treated exactly like regular internships. All you need to do is stick to a schedule, maintain professionalism and build work relationships that will aid you in accomplishing your goals. Use the tips above to make the most of your remote internship.
Want to learn more about all the buzz at Qureos? contact us at hello@qureos.com or check out our socials!
