Online internships have become increasingly important during the coronavirus pandemic. It is foreseeable that online internships will remain a part of the working world in the future. This is because they offer both employees and companies many advantages. What these advantages are and how to deal with the challenges of virtual internships are explained below.
Working from home - a challenge
On the one hand, online internships offer opportunities: you save on travel costs and time, for example.
On the other hand, it may be more difficult to get to know an employer or a team well, to clarify your own work tasks and to really learn from the practical experience.
This Checklist, created by a team from Career Services at various universities, will help you with these challenges.
Questions and Answers about Remote Internships
What are the advantages of remote internships compared to on-site internships?
- remote internships offer the advantage of being independent of location
- more flexible time management
- enable a larger selection of potential employers due to location independence
- concentrated work is made easier
What questions should be clarified before starting a virtual internship?
- What working hours are required by the employer? How are working hours in the home office documented?
- Which digital devices should be used for work? Does the employer provide technical devices or does the employee have to use private devices?
- How do I stay connected and get regular feedback from superiors and the team?
How can you achieve a good work-life balance during a remote internship?
Separating work and leisure time can be a challenge, especially when working from home. This is why it is particularly important:
- Scheduling and adhering to fixed working hours
- Professional clothing to get into "work mode"
- A tidy and structured workplace
- also pursuing activities away from digital devices in your free time
Who is a virtual internship suitable for?
- Remote internships are also feasible for students with limited financial resources.
- The remote working method is particularly suitable for those who like to do their work in seclusion and in a quiet environment.
