Taking on an internship is a great opportunity
to get a feel for a company or industry early in your career. Nothing can
replace real-world experience! But when disruptions occur, such as our current global pandemic,
flexibility will become your greatest asset. As an intern, it’s your job to be
curious. Transitioning your internship from in-office to remote is a great
opportunity to build skills and demonstrate your commitment to growth despite
unpredictable events.
While you might not be in the office to ask
questions or join team meetings, there are important strategies you can embrace
to stay connected, inquisitive and engaged.
Stay
Organized, Stay Engaged.

Create
and Stick-to a Routine.
Going from commuting every day to working in
your living room is a significant transition. However, taking the time to get
ready as if you still are going to the office is key. Go for a morning walk,
make your coffee and put on a new outfit. Learning how to work on a nine to
five schedule solo is just as important as clocking in. Sticking to a normal
routine will help you stay refreshed and focused.
Build
Virtual Relationships with Coworkers.
Just because you can’t chat with coworkers in
person doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected. Using online tools, like
Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business or Zoom, is a great way to maintain a sense
of informal communication outside of email. As an intern, you are likely one of
the newest staff members. Joining virtual staff events, like Zoom happy hours,
are a fun way to get to know your coworkers and talk about things outside of
work. For professional development, schedule a weekly touch-base meeting with
your mentor or advisor. This is a great way to check-in on projects, goals and
questions during your internship
Embrace
Uncertainty.
Displaying flexibility and enthusiasm will
keep you on track to successfully completing your internship. Embrace the
opportunity to learn new skills remotely, especially in the digital age.
Adapting to a new work environment with a positive attitude demonstrates
commitment and dedication to your projects, clients and coworkers. After all,
this is a new experience for everyone.
Yes,
And...
While your workflow may be unpredictable as
the economy fluctuates, let your team and mentor know you are ready to tackle
new projects. Every new assignment is an opportunity to learn about a client,
an opportunity to work with new staff members and to develop new skills. Saying
“yes,” even if the assignment is out of your comfort zone, will help determine
your strengths and weaknesses.
While navigating uncertain times during your
internship, remind yourself that with the right attitude you can grow, learn and leave a lasting impression. Especially in
public relations, adapting to crisis is part of the job. Embrace new challenges
during your internship and stay enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie
ahead.