Virtual Internship Etiquette

Many businesses are going virtual which means there are many opportunities for a virtual internship for recent college graduates. As we adjust to the new realities of life, college students are still expected to build their resume and find alternate internship opportunities. There are still plenty of options available to work virtually from home. Here are some tips to navigate a virtual internship.

Keep a Constant Routine

Staying at home can make it easy to fall into habits that aren’t productive. Although it is okay to have your “lazy” days, keeping structure and designating times for activities can make your day feel more eventful. Whether you use Google, a paper agenda, or a weekly calendar, make sure to fill it with essential deadlines and virtual meetings. Being able to check things off your list physically makes the process of working all the more rewarding. Don’t forget to pencil in your break times because they are important!

Personalize Your Workspace

Find a nice space dedicated to your virtual internship. —Whether it is at the dining room table or the desk in your bedroom, make sure to bring items into your area that energize you and make you feel productive. Small potted plants can fresh in the air and brighten your day.

Writing with your favorite pen, putting on music, or lighting a favorite candle can set the mood and tone for the day. Positioning your desk by the window and having good lighting are good energy motivators.

Check-In with Your Boss

Working from home makes it easy to forget there are more people involved in the work you are completing. Upon landing your internship, find out which mode of communication your boss prefers. Send regular check-ins each day or at least once a week on your progress upon completing a task. It does not need to be a long message; keep it short and concise. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request clarification if you are not sure about something you are working on. You were hired for a reason, and building an honest relationship with your employer is how you will make meaningful connections for post-graduation. 

Stay Connected

Take time out of your day to talk with friends, whether on social media or on the phone. If schedules are hectic, decide on a day of the week you and your friends can virtually spend time together via video call to watch a Netflix movie or have a quiz night. Reach out to the friends you haven’t spoken to in a while to see how they’re doing. Everyone is going through their own struggles and a quick message from you could make someone’s day a whole lot better.

Don’t forget about the people in your own home. Make time each day to watch a show or cook a meal together and have conversations face to face. Human contact virtual and face-to-face is extremely important.

Make Time for a Change of Scenery

Protecting your mental health should always be a priority and staying inside for hours on end can take a toll on anyone. Sitting outside on the porch or grass to get some sun is something small you can do each day to get Vitamin D and sit in a new environment that isn’t your living room. Taking trips to an open local park is also a great option to have a change of setting. Taking a drive with your favorite music or podcast playing is just the energy reset you need after a long week.

We cannot control everything and flexibility is the best approach when tackling everything you do during these uncertain times. 

You may also like College Graduate Job Search During COVID-19. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest,  Instagram and Twitter.