In today’s world, you have the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want—thanks to our highly globalized infrastructure that has been developed over generations. Inspired by your natural curiosity, need for exploration, and evolution of digital technologies, you should be free to work anywhere regardless of your geographical location, don’t you think? That’s where virtual internships (or remote internships) come into play. But what is a remote internship? We’ll tell you!
Virtual internships will take you to workplaces around the world—from the comfort of your home.
Why intern online?
Just as important as knowing what a remote internship is, is knowing why you should be pursuing remote internships for college students. Well, wouldn’t you agree that the innovations and development of technologies significantly shape the way we understand our working environment?
The labor market is evolving just like the majority of industries with the upcoming Industry 4.0, Deep Tech, and the increasing development of communication technologies. Pandemics like the COVID-19 outbreak function as catalysts to these related trends and show the vulnerability and the risks of the globalized world as you know it.
With virtual internships, you will overcome the barriers of the analog world and free yourself from fixed working hours, dress codes, and commutes—not to mention the significantly higher cost efficiency provided by your virtual internship, as you are not even required to leave the comfort of your home!
During virtual internships, you can work from wherever you want, anytime you want! Start the day by having a cup of coffee in your favorite cafe downtown and work on your tasks that correspond to your internship project; or, just stay at home and work from your couch in the evening after your university classes. With remote internships for college students, it’s up to you to decide where and when you want to work!
WATCH: How & Why to Participate in an Online Internship Abroad
What does “remote internship” mean? 5 components of online internships
What is a remote internship? Basically, it’s an internship that takes place completely virtually. No need to travel to an office or move abroad—you can do everything right from home! We’ll break down the major components of virtual internships so you can decide if the experience is right for you.
1. Your entire program will be completed virtually
Your commute could be as easy as bedroom to kitchen, via hallway.
Through your virtual internship, you will take advantage of the current development of communication technologies. Paired with the increasing growth of data processing performance and the upcoming digitization, you can manifest your geographical independence and share crucial project data in real-time with your colleagues worldwide!
Including the utilization of cloud computing services, you will be working with virtual collaboration applications, in particular common communication applications for companies within a virtual network. WhatsApp and Line are just some examples of communication platforms which you are probably using on a daily basis already, while others like Slack or Microsoft Teams are more corporate-focused.
2. You’ll need a reliable WiFi connection
Since you’ll be working entirely online during virtual internships, a fully-functioning and stable internet connection is mandatory, as well as a reliable laptop or desktop computer.
You should also consider getting a webcam and headphones (if not already included with your laptop or computer) for online meetings, to better help you properly communicate with your project partners.
It’s also important to find a place to work where you are comfortable but can still focus. While your bed might seem enticing at first, choosing a proper desk to work at would probably help you to keep focusing on your tasks.
Also make sure to have a professional looking backdrop for when your colleagues give you a ring via Skype or Zoom. If you are living with your family, friends, or flatmates, it’s best to let them know that you have an important meeting coming up, so you do not encounter any unforeseen circumstances.
3. You’ll need to be organized
Keep your projects organized whichever way works best for you!
The unique advantages of remote internships for college students enable you to schedule your internship tasks in relation to your social life and your university responsibilities!
Nevertheless, you need to organize your work, meaning you need to plan your working sessions beforehand. Check the times of all your university classes you want to attend and leave some time to study for your exams or to prepare for upcoming courses.
Also remember to prioritize your tasks to build your own workflow, as you will be given tasks that are specifically tailored to your skills and abilities. It’s much easier to communicate with your colleagues if you know specifically what you need or what they need from you.
Break down your project into major milestones and smaller tasks. In doing so, you will also find more motivation as you will be able to retrace every step you made—and see how far you’ve come!
Remember that you need to distinguish between different levels of importance when dealing with each of your tasks. Some tasks can wait, while others need to be finished on the spot or as soon as possible.
If you establish a proper routine for your virtual internship, you will have much easier and purposeful communication with your international colleagues, making the entire experience even more enjoyable.
READ MORE: 10 Benefits of Remote Internships
4. You can manage your own breaks
When organizing your schedule, definitely remember to plan for a lunch break! You might be even able to order something to your home and start a little video chatting session with your colleagues or friends while eating lunch together.
You will feel refreshed when you allow yourself to take your mind off work and think about other important things in life. Keep in mind to stay hydrated too; at best, you should always have a bottle of water nearby that you can reach for. That way, you stay concentrated and prevent headaches from dehydration.
5. You need to take care of yourself!
Don’t forget to take care of yourself during virtual internships. You need to take your eyes away from the screen to prevent headache or dry eyes, so take your eyes off from the screen for a few minutes each hour. Use the time for a small break—stand up and do a few stretch exercises to stimulate your muscles.
You can use the time not just to exercise and move a little bit, but also to clean your workspace! In that way, you will find that you will not only feel better physically, but also more productive in a clean and organized environment. You’ll also prevent losing track of important items in your mess!
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Are you ready to be a remote intern?
What does “remote internship” mean? It means good things for your future, friend.
The concept of virtual internships picks up on the idea of a home office and utilizes the advantage of being able to overcome physical and geographical barriers. As a result, you are provided with the flexibility to participate in an internship while following your regular studies and exams.
During remote internships for college students, you will develop intercultural intelligence and project-oriented communication skills. While gaining knowledge in the handling of corporate collaboration tools, you will also earn valuable digital expertise and 21st-century skills like internet literacy and media skills, which recruiters of today seek in their applicants.
Working in a diversified team, you will also have the chance to establish a professional international business network that might even help you land a job! Your virtual internship will give you the opportunity to develop crucial self-organization skills and discipline, as well as enhance your time management ability. You will have a supervisor to support you but you will primarily work on your tasks on your own and check back with your team whenever you (or they) need advice.
Virtual internships are a great way to combine your university education with gaining real work experience, while at the same time impressing recruiters with your outstanding skill set. Now that you know how to ace your virtual internship, you are prepared to get to work and impress your host company and fellow team partners!
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This article was written with help from Meiji Internships. Are you looking for an extraordinary internship and a way to acquire specialized expertise that’s in demand? Then stand out from the crowd with a virtual internship and apply now.
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