Tips for Navigating a Remote Internship

By: Amelia Krause

Navigating your first internship can be incredibly nerve wracking, especially when it is completely virtual. There are so many unknowns relating to a new job such as lingo, culture, and day-to-day tasks, so starting out can sometimes be the hardest part. The day I received my laptop in the mail was the day I realized that my internship at Skillsoft was official. Throughout the past 3 weeks, I have begun to gather some of my best tips for navigating a remote internship:

1. Ask questions. No question is a stupid question. Many companies, Skillsoft included, use tons of acronyms and abbreviations on slides, in emails, and in passing, making it incredibly hard to decipher what is going on if you’re just starting out. Asking for the definitions, especially over chat, may seem redundant or silly, but you must ask to learn. Anyone on the team is happy to answer questions, no matter how silly they may seem to you, because everyone was once in the same position. Reach out regularly to clarify any areas of uncertainty via Teams, email, or even during meetings, and you will find making the transition to the new role easier.
2. Establish a routine. Routines are key when you are working remotely. For me, I force myself to get up and out of bed and fully start my day before logging on to work. Doing this allows me to make time for the things I need to accomplish and sets me up for a successful workday. Once I log into work, I make sure to check in with my manager and create myself a daily to-do list. I find that laying out all of your tasks is the easiest way to track your progress and fulfill your daily roles. I try to log off at a reasonable time and then get outside to move my body and socialize.
3. Build a community. The people you work with can alter your work experience so much by providing you with a sense of community and passion. Reaching out to coworkers just to talk can really extend your network and give you a better sense of belonging at a company because you are able to better understand the culture. The intern cohort has been a great resource for talking to like-minded people and working through any obstacles we are facing. Having a few people to go to other than your direct manager is a great way to deepen your roots and establish yourself as a professional.

It can be easy to feel overwhelmed when starting at a new company, especially when you aren’t in a traditional office setting. I have found these 3 tips make things feel a little less scary. I hope you are able to take away some of the insight I have shared and implement it in your own work experiences.