Checklist to make the most of a remote internship

How to Make the Most of a Remote Internship

By Greg Kratz, Contributing Writer

It’s a conundrum nearly every student has faced: employers want to hire someone who has work experience, but you can’t get experience until you’ve been hired.

That’s where internships come in. A business typically hires an intern to do an entry-level job, which lets the company test a person’s skills while allowing the intern to get their foot in the door. The pay is usually low or nonexistent, so it’s a low-risk venture for the business, but the experience can be valuable for a student.

And now, with the rise of flexible work, many people are seeking and finding a remote internship. This kind of gig allows interns to work from home or another location, perhaps not even in the same city or state as the business headquarters. It also lets them set their own hours, meaning they can fit their intern work around college classes or other activities.

Landing a remote internship can also help non-students who want to explore a different occupation or industry, allowing them to try something new when they’re not busy at their “day job.”

Once you’ve landed a remote internship, do all you can to make the most of the opportunity. After all, if you love the company, and your new boss loves you, that internship could be your ticket to a new job or career.

Here are a few suggestions to help you put your best foot forward during a remote internship:

Schedule your time.

Your new manager and colleagues need to know when you’ll be working. Set a schedule for your intern hours and make sure to communicate that plan to everyone who needs the information. Then stick to it.

Avoid distractions.

Set up a workspace that will allow you to be efficient. Turn off the television and set aside social media. Make sure you can focus during your work hours.

Be professional.

You’ll be tempted to work from bed in your pajamas at times, but you’ll be more productive if you get up and dress as if you were going to an office.  This will also come in handy when you are asked to participate in an unexpected videoconference. 

Communicate.

You’re trying to make a good impression, so make sure your manager and colleagues know what you’re doing. Find out when and how they prefer to hear from you, and always keep them in the loop. When you receive a message from your boss, respond as quickly as possible. “They’re giving you the freedom to work on your own time and trusting you to get stuff done, so it’s important to let them know you’re there,” says a Uloop article.

Use a task list.

Write down what you need to accomplish before you start working for the day, then refer back to your list often as you get things done. “If you’re working on an ongoing project, make sure to work on it a little each day along with the smaller tasks on your list,” says an article from ScholarshipPoints. “Balance out your tasks and don’t try to do everything at once. Be patient and thorough, and take advantage of the flexibility of working from home.”

Ask questions.

If you’re confused about an assignment or unsure what to do next, don’t be afraid to ask your manager or colleagues for help. As an Ed2010 article says, “Don’t be embarrassed—asking questions is one of the most proactive things you can do in the workplace.”

Take breaks.

If you’ve never worked remotely, you may find yourself getting sucked into a project and working for long stretches without a break. That’s OK occasionally, but you’ll likely be more effective if you rest and recharge every hour or two. Schedule a few break times, and don’t ignore them.

Consider a change of scenery.

You may also find that sitting in the same room of your home all day is making you a bit stir crazy. If so, pack up your stuff and head to a coffee shop, library, or other location that offers a good work environment.

Go the extra mile.

This advice comes from a Discover article, which suggests that you pitch new ideas to your employer and work collaboratively with the rest of the team. “Surpass expectations and look for unique ways to do more than just the required work,” the article says. “For example, if you notice the company could benefit by using another social media platform, mention it to your supervisor and suggest an action plan.”

If you follow these guidelines, you will maximize your productivity during your internship and showcase your skills. That could be the key to landing your first full-time job or stepping into a new career, so it’s definitely worth the effort.

Know someone looking for a job? Refer a friend to FlexJobs with this link—you’ll get a month free service and they’ll get 30% off!

Photo Credit: bigstockphoto.com

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