Combating ennui in virtual internships
Junior Cameron Garber has several strategies for make a virtual internship feel more like a traditional one.
Many aspects of a virtual internship are the same as an in-person internship, but there are some things you need to keep in mind to make the best out of your virtual experience. Here are a few tips that have helped make my internship go smoothly.
- Set an alarm/reminder for appointments.
You will probably set an alarm to wake up on time to get ready for your internship, but there are other appointments that might require an extra reminder. Amidst the sea of emails in your inbox will be mentions of Zoom meetings that you’re expected to attend. It doesn’t hurt to set an alarm or reminder for these meetings, especially when you don’t have a co-worker next to you to remind you. From my experience, it is also helpful to double-check with a time-zone converter website to make sure you’re attending at the right time if you’re in a different time zone.
- Ask questions.
If you even have the slightest bit of confusion about something, it’s best to ask. This is my advice, rather than debating whether it’s worth it to ask. It’s ALWAYS worth it. It is an internship. Your advisor and co-workers know that you are new to the environment and adjusting to it. It is especially different since you’re working virtually. It will not look bad to ask for help. You are building your skills and perhaps learning new ones. I’ve found that when I ask questions, not only does it show that I am putting effort into my work, it also facilitates great communication with others.
- ALWAYS check your emails!
This is my main form of communication. Even if it’s not yours, it’s important to stay on top of your emails. Make sure you have your desktop notifications on so you don’t miss an incoming message. Because you are not there to discuss in person, it will take longer to communicate back and forth. It might take even longer if the company you’re interning with is located on another continent, like in my case. While real-life conversations might take less than a minute in total, it might also take less than a minute to send an email. That is why it’s important to respond promptly — especially if you’re in a different time zone.