Description
REMOTE INTERNSHIP GUIDE
© 2020 Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations
Introduction:
Virtual internships are internships that require an intern (either working as a volunteer or temporary employee) to work in a location outside the traditional office setting, usually in or close to home. Due to circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic, organizations will have few, if any, in-person opportunities to engage interns and will instead have to turn to online options, such as using cloud-based programs, conferencing platforms, phone and email to conduct internships.
The following recommendations refer to virtual internship positions:
Start with asking within the organization:
- How can an online/remote intern best achieve goals for themselves and the organization?
- Do we have appropriate levels of staffing to properly supervise online interns?
- Does the organization have appropriate technology (hardware and/or software), access to WiFi, etc.?
- Can the organization provide meaningful projects for an intern who is working 100% remote?
- Can we provide an online internship experience that is meaningful to the intern and beneficial to the organization?
Communication Do’s:
- During the interview and selection phase, affirm that a virtual internship will qualify as meeting the requirements of the intern. Ensure that meetings with the college or university can be conducted remotely.
- Clearly communicate the tasks the intern is responsible for completing and their role at the organization.
- Provide comprehensive onboarding and orientation that includes an overview of the organization, an opportunity to meet members of the staff, and a review of workplace expectations and communication standards, including training on online platforms that will be used during the internship.
- Make sure the intern can easily connect with their supervisor or intern coordinator.
- Create a system that allows for quick responses to questions/concerns of the employer and the intern. Schedule check-in sessions with the intern throughout the week, at regular intervals and consider check ins that are several a day during the first few weeks, so the intern is well supported in their new role.
- After the intern settles into a routine, schedule weekly check ins of at least 30-minutes. Interns and supervisors can use this time to provide feedback, review deliverables, and ask questions.
- Create a weekly list of activities with expected outcomes to help shape expectations for the work week.
Overall Benefits of Remote Internships:
- Online or remote internships provide students the flexibility of working from home while gaining work experience. Interns also can use contacts made at virtual internships to further their interests/hopes for future employment or to act as references.
- Organizations benefit from advancing their work with the help of additional volunteers and/or staff, even when the physical office is closed.
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