Are you or anyone you know currently doing a remote internship? Although it comes with its own benefits, every job has its downsides and challenges.
Time management
Working from the comfort of your home, there is only so much you can do to ensure you do not stray away from your work desk and laptop.
How to Overcome: Prepare a schedule to organize and manage your work
Work-life balance
When working remotely, more often than not, the line between work time and your daily life gets muddled. Your responsibilities at home and work will try and compete for your time and attention which could lead to you feeling burnt out or disregarding one or the other.
How to Overcome: Make time for fun, friends and family. Allow yourself time to rest and keep weekends and out-of-office hours for whatever it is that you want to do!
Miscommunication
With notifications and messages popping up left and right, there is often a bigger risk of miscommunication when working remotely.
How to Overcome: Keep tabs on ongoing tasks and never be afraid to ask questions or seek reconfirmation when you are confused!
Technical issues
From the Internet connection to laptop malfunctions, there are a million ways a remote internship can go wrong, especially working without the resources you would find at your office.
How to Overcome: Re-check Internet, Reschedule for a different time
No Hands-On Learning
While having your supervisor over your shoulder at all times can be a huge help, no hands-on learning could leave you feeling lost at times. However, it could also mean learning things in your own way and on your own time.
How to Overcome: To make up for it, use features that help make online communication easier. Namely, Google Meet, Huddles on Slack and Zoom calls. If necessary, make the initiative to meet up if possible.
What do you think? Remember that an internship is a learning process. No one comes into the office perfect. We are all human and the best we can do is make the best out of working remotely.
