Best 6 Tips to Prepare for a Virtual Internship

Aditi recently finished her MBA in Delhi and is eyeing an internship one of her professors referred her to. But there’s a catch. Her mother is unwell, and she needs to be at home in Indore to care for her. She has no siblings; her father passed away when she was little, and hiring a caretaker is pricey.

But when her future seems to be slipping away, there’s a fortunate little twist. After hearing about her situation, the company offers Aditi a virtual internship. 

“Modern problems require modern solutions.” – David Chapelle.  

The company’s flexibility and consideration allowed Aditi to land the internship role she wanted while caring for her mother. 

But Aditi’s problem is just a representation of what many of you may face. Only a few can move to a big city for an internship. Not many can abandon their commitments. The circumstances may be different, but the challenge remains the same. 

So, what are virtual internships? How do they work? Are you interested in or in need of doing one? 

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of virtual internships and explore how to prepare for them. 

What are Virtual Internships? How do they Work? 

As the name suggests, a virtual internship is an internship program done virtually. Interns work remotely without having to go to a physical office. They can work from different locations. 

A few key aspects which set a virtual internship apart are: 

Remote Work: You can work from your preferred location rather than commuting to an office.

Online Communication: You stay connected with your supervisors and team members through online communication tools like Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Zoom, Slack, etc.

Supervision and Guidance: As a virtual intern, you’ll likely be assigned a supervisor, a mentor or a single point of contact (SPOC) to guide and support you. They’ll be responsible for providing you with instructions and clarifying your concerns.

Besides these few details, everything else about a virtual internship is the same as a regular one. 

Benefits of Doing a Virtual Internship 

All internships offer benefits that’ll help you progress in your career. But what is so unique about virtual internships? Let’s explore some of them: 

1. Flexibility

They offer greater flexibility in terms of working hours and location. You can work without moving to a new city, which can be convenient if you have personal commitments or remote living situations.
 

2. Cost Saving

Since you don’t have to commute or relocate, you save money on travel, rent and daily expenses. Virtual internships are affordable options for interns from different backgrounds.
 

3. Remote Work Experience

They are great for picking up experience in remote work, which is increasingly becoming popular nowadays. In future, you can use your experience to show that you are adept and disciplined in working remotely.
 

4. Global Opportunities

Your experience and ability to work remotely means you can easily apply for opportunities in different countries. Global exposure can boost your resume, expose you to diverse work environments and broaden your professional network.

On a side note, many companies that hire from Western Europe, North America and Eastern Asia pay better than local companies.

There are plenty of online portals where you can apply for global internships. You can also check out the careers pages of specific companies you wish to work for them.

Exposure to New Technology

Virtual internships expose you to various digital tools and collaboration platforms, helping you improve your proficiency in technology. These skills are highly transferable and sought after by employers.
 

Work-life Balance

Owing to the flexibility, virtual internships often provide better work-life balance. You can create a schedule that suits you, helping reduce stress. It also allows you to pursue personal interests or commitments alongside your internship.

Having said this, you must be disciplined enough to respect your and the company’s time to manage the balance successfully. 

Tips to Prepare for a Virtual Internship 

Now that you’ve understood virtual internships and how they benefit you, let’s explore how you can prepare if you secure one. 

1. Set Up a Dedicated Workspace

Set aside a designated space to work and ensure the area is free from distractions. Try to use the space for what is necessary. This will help you maintain focus and productivity in that area during your internship.
 

2. Test your Connectivity and Devices

Ensure your computer, Wi-Fi connection, and all required software are in order. Test all the features you need to stay connected with the team, like video calling, screen sharing, etc. Get comfortable with these tools to avoid technical glitches during your internship.

This may sound obvious or unimportant, but it gets annoying if these technical difficulties arise when you’re working.

3. Establish a Routine

We know that virtual internships offer flexibility, but as we mentioned, it’s essential to establish a consistent routine. Avoid personal tasks during your working hours unless unavoidable, and maintain that boundary.

This will help you stay disciplined, manage your time effectively, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
 

4. Work on your Communication Skills

Virtual communication is different from face-to-face communication. There’s usually a timeconstraint, and you must have the luxury of explaining things as you would in person.

Practice listening carefully, articulate your thoughts concisely, and be mindful of your tone, particularly in written communications. They’ll help you avoid unnecessary communication gaps.

5. Seek Learning Opportunities

The virtual nature of an internship can be both a constraint and a privilege for you. Not being in the office physically means you could miss out on in-person training opportunities from your supervisors.

You can give yourself more time to learn new skills and opportunities while working remotely.

With so many free learning opportunities like Zuno’s weekly webinars, and other online certifications, you have can improve your profile significantly.

6. Show Initiative and be Proactive

Working from the comfort of your home, makes it easy to get complacent, which is why virtual internships require self-motivation and proactiveness.

Take the initiative to complete tasks on time, seek feedback regularly, and contribute to discussions and meetings effectively. This can reflect well on your reporting manager and demonstrate your enthusiasm. 

Virtual internships offer a solution for interns who cannot relocate or commute to the office physically. They provide flexibility, cost-saving benefits and a better work-life balance. With dedication and a little discipline, they are just as effective as regular internships with more flexibility. 

FAQs on Virtual Internships 

Q1. What do you mean by virtual internship? 

Ans: A virtual internship is an internship experience that takes place remotely, allowing individuals to gain work experience and learn new skills without being physically present in the office. 

Q2. Is a virtual internship good for a resume? 

Ans: Yes, virtual internships are valuable additions to your resume.  

Q3. How useful is a virtual internship? 

Ans: Virtual internships are just as valuable as regular internships. Other than the regular benefits, they demonstrate your ability to work remotely and adapt to digital tools, which can be attractive to potential employers. 

Q4. How do virtual internships enhance remote work skills? 

Ans: Virtual internships enhance remote work skills by: 

a. Providing experience in working remotely 

b. Collaborating with teams virtually 

c. Using online communication tools effectively 

d. Managing time and tasks independently 

e. Adapting to a digital work environment.

Q5. Can virtual internships help me gain real experience? 

Ans: Virtual internships can provide real and valuable work experience in a remote setting.