Are you thinking about applying for a virtual internship? More organizations are now offering this option to college students looking for credit. There are pros and cons to take into consideration while searching for the right option for you.
1. Virtual internships are convenient.
No commute is required. This means no time spent driving to and from the office, and no money spent on gas. You're free to work at your pace and on your own time. I won't tell you the amount of times I laid in bed in my pajamas working on weekends (there were many).
2. Time management skills are essential.
Don't procrastinate! Set aside specific time to dedicate to working on your assignments instead of rushing to complete them hours before the due date. Your supervisor may want to meet individually or as a group with other interns over Skype or Google hangout for a certain number of hours per week. Put this in your calendar, and keep in mind these meetings may run long.
3. Make sure your technology is reliable and up-to-date.
You don't want to be that one person whose video and audio keeps cutting in and out during a video conference. Download the latest versions of Google Hangout or Skype. If the WiFi isn't reliable where you live, find another location to work. Save all your work on a flash drive just in case. Google Drive is a life saver!
4. Be flexible and willing to compromise.
Keep in mind your supervisor and/or other interns may be in different time zones. They may not reply to your emails/calls/texts for a day or two. When finding time to do a video conference, your availability most likely won't meet up with everyone else's on the first try.
5. Make connections.
Establish a good relationship with your supervisor--you never know when you might need a job recommendation. Reach out to other interns on social media, especially LinkedIn.
5. You will learn a lot.
There's no substitute for real-world experience. Virtual internships provide students with the opportunity to learn the same skills as they would in a normal office setting. Whether you're a social media intern or a business development intern, you will gain insight from professionals in the industry and become more prepared for your future career. Happy virtual internship hunting!
