Working from home has become the new ‘norm’ for almost every type of industry. Many companies within these industries are adapting their business model and are making the switch to operating as a remote business. These companies have now adopted a new structure of how their businesses are run, whether that was by operating as a remote business from the very start or making a slower transition from a hybrid way of working to eventually, a remote business. This includes remote internships and gives potential candidates the opportunity to work in a huge variety of sectors in any part of the world from the comfort of their own home.
A remote internship will take place online where interns will be able to complete their tasks from their homes. This is especially advantageous during the current time where Covid-19 restrictions are still being enforced in the majority of countries around the world. Since there is now an overwhelming amount of companies operating remotely and providing remote internships due to these restrictions, there has been a significant increase in the number of people interested and willing to partake in a remote internship. Since 2020, 83% of employers have moved their internship programs online and 84% of college students are willing to participate in a remote internship to give them real-life experience and knowledge, even if this experience is gained through working from home.
We have compiled a list of the industries that are currently offering remote internships. The opportunities are endless which just shows that there is still an option for you to develop your skills and knowledge in any industry of your choice, even during these difficult and uncertain times.
Here is a list of some of the many industries now operating remotely and providing remote internships:
Remote internships allow interns to create and work around their own schedule to get their work completed in the most efficient way. When working from home, it can be difficult to distinguish a clear work-life balance, therefore, it is important for interns to integrate their work into their life in a way that best suits them.
When partaking in a remote internship there are no longer any geographical limitations. Candidates can now apply and participate in an internship that is half-way across the world if they wish. This greatly increases the number of opportunities available to interns as they now have the luxury of choosing an internship that fits them best, regardless of geographic location.
Remote internships automatically mean no commute for interns. This aspect saves valuable time before and after work and can result in a shorter workday, more leisure time, and less work-related stress. This can be due to working in a comfortable environment such as the intern’s own home and no longer having to sit in rush hour traffic to and from work.
Remote internships allow interns the flexibility of switching up their work-space to help increase efficiency and creativity while working from home. While interns may have a designated work-space set up at home, they can also have a change of environment to help increase motivation and productivity. This could be achieved by doing something as simple as working from their garden on a sunny morning or working for an hour or two in a library or coffee shop (dependent on restrictions) for a change of scenery to boost morale.
Remote internships will greatly develop and improve an intern’s communication skills. Communication is one of the most important elements of working remotely. Effective communication can be achieved by responding to emails swiftly, attending meetings, keeping co-workers informed about your work and being pro-active.
Remote internships involve an intern working on their own with no physical supervision from a supervisor or manager. This way of working will allow interns to work on their own initiative for the most part by prioritising tasks and improving their levels of responsibility and accountability for getting their assigned work completed on time.
Remote internships require experience and basic knowledge of technology such as email and video calls. However, interns must be pro-active and learn how to use new technological tools themselves as it’s a great opportunity to become self-sufficient and improve their technological skills, quality of work and participation in the internship.