Follow These Simple Tips to a Successful Virtual Internship | The Savvy Intern by YouTern

In college, or as a young professional, you have many demands on your time; school, commuting, family and social life, exercise… maybe occasionally some sleep. You may also want to take on some internships, but with your already full schedule you think you don’t have time.

You’re in luck! More companies are finding hiring a virtual workforce more practical – and people looking to work virtually, more common – so more virtual internships are becoming available. In fact, about half the internship opportunities on YouTern right now are virtual. (And we just hired several new virtual interns this week!)

For many people a virtual internship is perfect. They get the same level of experience and school credit, and they work from anywhere – their dorm, Starbucks, home – wherever there’s a reliable internet connection. They have the same high level of responsibility as with an in-person internship.

So, what should you do to make your virtual internship a successful experience?

Here, in no particular order, are five simple tips to make sure you get as much value as possible while working remotely:

Embrace Accountability

A virtual internship is a genuine commitment – by you and your supervisor or mentor. During the interview, find out your supervisor’s expectations for you in your virtual internship. The hours and timelines for instance, are often more flexible than with in-office internships. Find out what the supervisor expects of you as the virtual intern.

Illustrate Integrity

You’ll be working remotely, but the same business etiquette will apply to you as a virtual intern as it would in an office. For instance, your “office” is virtual, but your deadlines are real. Icing on the cake: exceed your supervisor’s expectations. When you commit to completing a project by a certain date – hit the deadline or finish even earlier. And complete your assignments even better and more thoroughly than originally discussed. (Your internship is virtual… but your post-internship recommendations, and the possibility to be hired, are real).

Communicate Constantly

There are no in-person water cooler conversations with a virtual internship. No “Hey” head-nods as you pass in the hallway. Because you don’t meet in person, you need to be deliberate with your communication to let your mentor know you’re doing your job. Your best friends in a virtual internship – all available 24/7 – are Skype, email, IM and texting; each enables you to show your progress and commitment. Right before you shut down for the night – each night – shoot your mentor an email or IM: “It’s 1:00AM, here’s what I’ve accomplished recently…”

Sustain Self-Discipline

We can all BS a parent, professor, or boss in real life. In a virtual internship, where no one is looking over your shoulder, it can be even easier – and the temptation, greater. Do everything you can to avoid making this a habit.

During your virtual internship (just as sure as you might miss a Monday in an in-office internship due to the hang-over “flu”) you’ll have times where spontaneity, fatigue or lack of motivation gets in the way of commitment. If it happens too often – if you fail to engage self-discipline – your virtual internship is doomed.

Envision the End-Game

Just like an in-office internship, quality work during a virtual internship can get you hired. Take full advantage of every possible opportunity to impress a colleague, fellow intern, mentor and management. The quality of your work – supervised or not – represents you “at the office”, and could mean a great recommendation, even  a job offer. Consistently work as though you are evolving your virtual internship into an employment opportunity.

Virtual internships can provide an intern candidate with more freedom, quality of life and far greater responsibility. Incorporate these tips into your virtual internship. You’ll gain a tremendous learning experience – while perhaps wearing nothing but your boxers and a smile.

 About the Author: A passionate supporter of Gen Y talent, CEO and Founder of YouTern Mark Babbitt is a serial entrepreneur and mentor. Mark has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Mashable, Forbes and Under30CEO regarding internships, higher education’s role in preparing emerging talent for the workforce and career development. Recently, Mark was honored to be named to GenJuice’s list of “Top 100 Most Desirable Mentors”. You can contact Mark via email or on Twitter: @YouTernMark.

via youtern.com