During a global pandemic, the last thing you want to worry about is getting behind on internships. Here is your complete guide on how to get the most out of your internship from home.

The Search for Remote Internships

When you think about all that has happened in the world in the past year, there have been so many changes to the way we work and live. The classroom has turned into the Zoom meeting room, and bedrooms have become home offices. These changes come with a benefit: the doors that open up to remote internships. With remote internships, you do not have to worry about location and have access to working for a company you would not be able to otherwise. The first step starts with the search, so here are a few tips on how to find a remote internship:

Utilize the Purdue College of Liberal Arts Career Center

The Purdue CLA Career Center has not only resources for just about everything related to job searches (think resume help, cover letter workshops, and interview tips), but it also has a running list online of internship opportunities. This list includes links to apply directly and is a great resource for finding your remote (or in-person) internship. 

Do a good old-fashioned Google search

When location is not a concern, your options are wide-open for internship opportunities. A quick google search can open the doors to hundreds of opportunities. By searching for a remote internship in your field of study, you can find tons of options on Google.

Apply, Apply, Apply 

The most important step in the internship search is taking the initiative and applying. Many remote internships have a quick-apply option that can be done entirely online, so it is easier than ever to apply for these opportunities. Put your best foot forward and send in your accomplishments and experiences. 

With these tips in mind, you can tackle your internship search and find some great opportunities, no matter the location. Once you have applied for an internship and gotten an interview, you can secure the opportunity with an awesome Zoom interview. The Purdue Center for Career Opportunities & Pre-Professional Advising has some great tips for acing your interview. 

Getting the Most out of Your Remote Internship

Now that you have nailed a remote internship, it is time to get the most you can out of it. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to have a remote internship for DiveChat, a group messaging platform, last summer where I got to gain valuable experience in marketing and public relations while getting to work with some amazing people. Here are some tips I have compiled from my experience on how to optimize your remote internship experience: 

Stay on Top of Deadlines

One of the most important things to do to be successful in your remote internship is to stay on top of those deadlines. Since you are not in a physical office space or being told to your face when you need to get things done, it can be more difficult to remember all your deadlines. Something I did that was extremely helpful was to keep a detailed planner specifically for my internship. I color-coded different deadlines and meetings depending on what they were for and made sure everything got physically checked off my list. Physically writing down these deadlines is a great way to stay on top of them.

Attend those Zoom Meetings

With remote internships comes the responsibility of attending copious amounts of Zoom meetings. Staying on top of these meetings is crucial to having a successful remote internship, so organization is key. Keep track of what meetings you have in a planner and make sure to attend them all. This is where you get crucial information, bounce off ideas, and check-in with your supervisors. To not get behind, stay on top of these meetings.

Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out

It can be hard with remote internships to not have the possibility to physically talk to someone in their office or to ask for help. With a remote internship, it is more important than ever to take initiative and reach out to a supervisor. Need clarification on a tactic? Need help navigating a meeting? Want more out of the internship? Don’t be afraid to set up a zoom meeting, send a direct message/email, or speak up in the Zoom chat. Communicating what you need in a remote internship is more important than ever, and reaching out will help you succeed and leave the internship with a good experience. 

Go Into your Remote Internship with Confidence

Now that you have read about some tips for conquering your remote internship (all from my own remote internship experience), it is time to go into it with confidence. You will get a great experience out of these opportunities and be able to contribute just as you would in person. Without location holding you back, the world of remote internships really is your oyster.