How To Rock A Remote Internship
Strolling into Starbucks to order your much needed soy latte with sugar-free vanilla, you see caffeinated freelancers captivated by their blacklite computer screen. Not only do they make you feel extremely unproductive for having just put yourself together, how cool do they look! Substituting a cubicle for a swanky cafe – yes, please!
While we’re not at the level to freelance just yet, we can emulate these hipster worker-bees by interning remotely. Our recent article on the benefits of interning remotely brought you the inside scoop, but now it’s time to learn how to rock your remote internship!
Plan it out
One of the great aspects of interning remotely is the pleasure of working at your leisure. But the independence can work against you. If you don’t plan a work schedule, it’s very likely procrastination will meet disorganization and cost you the intern of the year award. Create a schedule just like an office job, deciding which days you want to work and allocating time slots.
Don’t get distracted!
Whether it’s the Law and Order: SVU marathon or the dreamy-eyed hunk sitting across from you at the coffee shop, distractions are like a moth to a flame when interning remotely. Without a supervisor, who’s going to know about the hour long gossip sess with you GBF? While you may not get caught, these interruptions will hinder your work ethic. Combat these distractions by finding a space where you can focus. In addition, do a digital detox. Turn off the TV; put your phone in your bedside drawer; change your Facebook password for four hours. And, whala – distractions gone!
Keep in touch
Just because you don’t have the ability to walk up to your boss’ desk to ask about your daily duties, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask. In a remote internship, it is more important than ever to keep in close communication with your supervisor. E-mail is a common method to do so, but integrating Skype or Google Hangout can drastically improve your communication.
Dress for the day
No office means PJs all day, right? While that’s a viable option, how you dress really does have an effect on how you feel. If you dress like a lazy bum, you’ll work like a lazy bum. If you dress like a poised professional, you’ll work like a poised professional. Slipping off the sweats and pulling on a pencil skirt can really get you in the work mode. If you can’t find the point in dressing this way while staying at home, join the bundle of freelancers in the outside world while looking your best.
Switch it up
At school and in the office, you’re confined to a designated area that is just as rigid as elementary school assigned seating. Choosing the same scene for your remote internship can emulate this monotony and add to a slip in productivity. Take advantage of your freedom and switch up your office spaces. Venture out to your local coffee shop; find a quiet nook in your public library; even bring a hotspot to the park. Mixing up your working space prohibits the formation of a comfort zone, allowing you to work alertly.
Additional suggestions for your fellow remote-ees? Comment below!
