How to bring your A-game during virtual internships

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a situation where the internet has become a vital part of our MO for life. Amid the lockdown, people have been struggling with ways to make it productive. The summer is considered as a crucial time in a students' life cycle, as they look forward to their summer internships. Summer internships are a students' stepping stone into the corporate world and is a good sample of what they can expect, not only from themselves but from their organisation as well.

Virtual internships provide students with real-world experiences and help them make connections and develop skills. These opportunities inculcate new learning in students that help them in the longer run. With the COVID-19 backdrop, companies around the world are rapidly changing how they are going to handle summer internships. While it is difficult to gauge what the summer of 2020 has in store, companies have adopted the trend of virtual internships.

Virtual internships are now very popular, especially with industries that can function with its employees working remotely, like technology-dependent companies or communication businesses. Virtual internships also ensure that certain parts of an organisation remain functional, while the on-ground activities continue to remain at a halt. Virtual internships and the current situation, in general, will ensure that the current batch is the most resilient batch we will ever see!

Why have a virtual identity

In the era of modern technology having an identity online is a must. Virtual internships are growing in popularity due to the many benefits and opportunities for students and organisations alike. When it comes to virtual internships the virtual profiles says it all.

Social networking sites like LinkedIn allow to share resumes and find suitable offers. These sites allow to modify and upgrade resumes according to our dream jobs/internships. There are plenty of portals that allow companies to upload vacancies.

Not only do people only gain knowledge and learn new things, but they also get paid. Virtual internships are almost the same as the regular ones but they come with flexible timings and perks like certificate and letter of recommendation. Factors, like not having to relocate or physically travel to the office are some of the benefits.

Factors that make a virtual internship successful

Virtual internships can be a little challenging. While interning remotely certain factors are to be kept in mind to ace that internship. These factors are:

Healthy Communication:

Communication is the key to a virtual internship. It plays an important role in working virtually. Try and maintain a healthy conversation with your employer. Before you start with a virtual internship, eliminate all your doubts about working hours, amount of work and stipend. Also, learn the art of writing effective, crisp and to the point emails. All official communication is done through emails and it is good practice to have a healthy hand at it.

Make a routine:

Even though a virtual internship comes with flexible hours, one should set aside a time to work. This way one can manage both personal and professional life.

Put in the effort:

Work from home sounds appealing but can become challenging too. It is important to make an effort and show results. Your work will do the talking for you.

Feedback is a must:

A virtual internship requires constant feedback. Ask for feedback at the end of each week so that you are fully aware of your strengths and weaknesses. Listen to their suggestions. Make sure your work improves with each passing day and you learn something new every day.

Virtual internships turn out to be a different experience altogether. These internships can make a difference in your resume and leave a long-lasting impact. Online websites and applications have made it easy to find virtual internships. In the times of coronavirus, these internships are a blessing and way to make the quarantine useful.

Stay home! Stay safe!

Here are some other articles from our blog that you might find useful:

• Follow these tips to make an impression on video calls while working from home
• 6 must-do things to close your virtual internship on a good note
• Your ultimate guide to nail remote internships