How to find a remote internship

Internships are a wonderful opportunity for increasing your work experience and boosting your résumé. But, when you are balancing a full class schedule, it can be hard to find time for a conventional internship. Remote internships, on the other hand, allow you the freedom to work flexible hours from your dorm room while still gaining valuable experience.

How to get a remote internship

You can find a remote internship in almost any field; you just need to do some research. Don't be afraid to reach out to companies as well. For example, if you are pursuing a law degree, you can contact local law firms and ask if you can write the monthly newsletter or maintain the company's blog.

Even though a remote internship might seem more relaxed, apply with a résumé and cover letter tailored to the specific company you’re contacting. Be sure to mention any prior experience working remotely, even if it's only through an online class, as well as any familiarity with online tools frequently used by remote workers such as team productivity apps, communication apps, and file sharing sites.

Set a schedule and stick with it

It's vital to set a work schedule for your internship and commit to this time. This allows your employer to know when to expect your work. A schedule will also help you balance the demands of school and your internship, without sacrificing sleep or social events.

Limit online distractions

Working online means dealing with a lot of distractions, especially from social media. If you allow yourself to be sidetracked by your friends' photos, texts, online games, and interesting news articles, it will take you twice as long to finish your work.

To maintain your focus, use apps that block certain websites for a set amount of time for all devices. A timer can also be helpful. Set the timer for 15 minutes and work intensely until it goes off. Once the 15 minutes is up, reward yourself with a 5-minute break. Repeat as necessary.

Check in regularly with your supervisor

Internships are unique because they are designed to help students learn and grow, as well as network with people in their desired field. Interns should be in continual communication with their employer. Establishing two-way communication with your employer is just as important as being responsive to requests and communicating often about the status of your projects.

Dress to impress

Think the best part of a remote internship is working in your pajamas? Think again. Several studies suggest that the clothes we wear can influence how we think and act, even when working from home. Dress for a mix of comfort and professionalism, just as you would for an on-site internship. Getting dressed and looking professional allows you to get in the work mindset.

Along with dressing professionally, communicate professionally. Emails to your supervisor and other employees should be more formal and more thoughtful than a tweet or Facebook post.

Go the extra mile

With an internship, just showing up to work every day isn't really enough. Instead, when employees put in more effort than is required, they make an impression on employers.

Don't be afraid to pitch new ideas to your employer and to work collaboratively and communicate often by phone or instant message with the rest of the team. Communication is a must for interns and supervisors, but connecting with other employees is also essential for developing trust and building up professional relationships that can be beneficial after the internship has ended. Surpass expectations and look for unique ways to do more than just the required work.

Ultimately, the goal of having an internship is to get a stellar recommendation letter and make valuable connections—potentially even leading to a full-time job.