Virtual internships have become a widespread and popular way to gain international professional experience, all without traveling. In this, you undertake an internship with a company or organization abroad and communicate online with their employees and your internship supervisor. Here is a guide to making the most of your virtual internship.
Before the Internship
Set Clear Goals
Define your learning objectives and communicate them to your supervisor. Ensure these align with any university or training requirements.
Get to Know the Company/Organization
Research your internship organization thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with its structure, projects, goals, and employees to be well-prepared.
Create Your Home Office Space
Establish a dedicated workspace in your home. Ensure it's comfortable and well-equipped with essentials like a desk, comfortable chair and suitable lighting. Although the main and most tempting reason for working remotely for many of us is probably the idea of working on the couch or in bed, you’d better just forget about it as this could take a huge toll on your productivity. Try to always work from a consistent work space to tell your brain that it’s time for work, not relaxation.
Prepare Your Equipment
Ensure you have the necessary tools for efficient remote work. This includes a reliable internet connection, computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and any software needed.
During the Internship
Daily Routine and Working Hours
Adopt a daily routine similar to if you were going to a physical office. This helps set a professional tone for your workday. Establish a work schedule and adhere to it. This promotes productivity and helps you stay focused on tasks.
Schedule Breaks
Take scheduled breaks and use them wisely. Whether it's a short walk, some excercise, or preparing a healthy snack: breaks are crucial for maintaining energy levels.
Discover Your Productivity Peaks
Identify your high-productivity periods and plan your tasks accordingly. Do the most challenging work when you're at your peak energy.
Socialize
Stay connected with colleagues through regular check-ins, emails, or virtual meetings. Socializing helps maintain a sense of camaraderie.
Stay Positive
Remote work can be challenging. Stay positive, be proactive, and openly communicate any difficulties you may encounter.
End Your Day with a Routine
Establish a routine to mark the end of your workday. Whether it's a short walk, yoga, or preparing dinner, this signals a transition from work to relaxation.
The First Days of your Remote Internship
Contact Persons
Know who to contact for different queries: World Unite! coordinators for general concerns and your internship supervisor for content-related matters.
Online Orientation
Attend the online orientation provided by World Unite! to learn about cultural aspects of the host country and how they relate to your remote internship.
First Online Meeting with your Supervisor
Discuss and fill out a Remote Internship Plan with your supervisor, outlining objectives, tasks, and key details.
Feedback Times
Agree on fixed daily/weekly feedback times with your supervisor. Use tools like Google Calendar to schedule and monitor tasks, and not to miss any online appointments.
Proactivity
Be proactive in your internship. Create a list of questions to discuss during feedback times rather than contacting your supervisor for each query.
Weekly Summaries
Write weekly summaries of your activities and goals. Share this with your supervisor to track progress.
Weekly Feedback Call with World Unite! Coordinator
Keep your World Unite! coordinator in the loop. Schedule a weekly call to update them on your internship progress.
By following these steps, you'll not only navigate the challenges of virtual internships but also maximize your learning and professional growth. Virtual internships offer unique opportunities, and with the right approach, you can make them a rewarding experience.
Read more interesting topics
No More Articles Available 
