How to Tackle Challenges During a Remote Internship

Below, there is a list of potential challenges you might encounter during your online internship and the tips that could help you to deal with them.

1. Misunderstanding between co- interns

International virtual internships connect students and employees from different parts of the globe. It is natural that in such diverse environments that is placed in a virtual world that sometimes you might not see each other and misunderstandings might happen. You need to master an effective digital communication that can be really desired in the near future. It might not be easy at the beginning, however, there are basic rules to remember that they enhance the effectiveness of communication:



• try to speak clear and concise,
• try to speak straight, avoid beating around the bush,
• try to communicate every day,
• double confirm with your co-workers or supervisor to ensure you understood an assigned task,
• answer the messages as soon as possible,
• be reachable during your working hours.
  

2. Lack of motivation

Remote internships provide a great platform in times of pandemic to further develop professionally and to make connections. So how do we hold this motivation up and persevere in it? In case of weaker moments, try to remember why you have started the remote internship. You probably have engaged because you wanted to gain a job experience, learn digital or soft skills, practise languages, meet new people etc. Simply recall all those factors and remember that whatever you do during any internship is the investment into yourself and your education that will pay off in the future. Do not give up, keep up the momentum!

3. Disorganisation

It might become harder to organise your work when working from home and studying at the same time. Indeed, you do not have a strict work schedule nor a supervisor that is behind your back. Virtual internships are a great way to develop time management and work organisation skills to reconcile all duties. To make it easier for you, there are plenty of online or traditional tools that you can use for free to organize your schedule. In terms of online tools, you might use Google calendar, Microsoft Teams tasks, Doodle or Sticky Notes etc. Or you might use just a paper calendar with a weekly view to mark deadlines or mark meetings and classes. 

4. Distractions

Interning remotely from home can be very comfortable as you are in your familiar surroundings, however, it might be full of distractions like roommates, loud siblings, TV, social media etc. You need to set boundaries and stay professional and disciplined. Remember, there is time for fun and there is time for work. If you work, focus on it. Any organisational tools from above might be helpful for you. If you feel tired during performing some task, take a break. It is scientifically proven that frequent, short breaks increase productivity than in case of the long and single one. 

5. Inductions

When you start an on-site internship, you might feel stressed and anxious at a new company, at a new role, being around new international people, etc. A virtual internship adds a new challenge of working remotely itself. As it can be your first time, you might feel ineffective, especially when you get new colleagues that seem more active or following what is going on. Firstly, take some deep breaths. Secondly, you know that the beginnings are tough for most of us, with the passing of time, you will master your tasks and skills. Thirdly, you need to remember that you do an internship to learn, learning takes time. Give yourself time to learn. Fourthly, do not compare to the others, your co- workers might have different backgrounds, career paths and skills, hence, focus on yourself and your own way to achieve goals.