How to Excel in a Remote Internship — 4 Tips to Keep in Mind
July 25, 2024
Internships have traditionally been viewed as valuable learning experiences—an opportunity for students to explore potential career paths, build resumes, and gain exposure to the professional world. However, in the post-pandemic world, the balance has shifted. While some companies continue to provide an educational experience for students, many companies have increasingly moved toward viewing internships as a recruitment strategy.
What does that mean for high school and college students seeking internships? This shift has made securing an internship even more challenging. So how have internships changed, and what can students do to navigate securing a summer internship in this changing landscape?
The Shift from Education to Recruitment
Before the pandemic, many internships were largely seen as a way for students to gain exposure to the professional world, learn new skills, and build connections. While companies still valued interns, the focus was on education and development. Fast forward to the post-pandemic era, and companies have drastically restructured or reduced their internship programs and are using internships as part of their recruitment strategy to identify future full-time employees.
The pandemic forced businesses to rethink how they onboard and develop talent, and many have realized that internships provide an opportunity to scout top college graduates. Companies are placing a greater emphasis on hiring interns who are job-ready and capable of making an immediate impact upon graduation. As a result, this has also impacted the availability of internships for college freshmen and sophomores as well as high school students.
At InternWorks, we recognize the need to create opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and develop transferable skills in a structured, supportive environment. Instead of competing for limited openings that require pre-existing expertise, InternWorks creates customized internships that prioritize career exploration, mentorship, and structured learning. Our employer partners allow students to actively participate in meaningful projects in an environment designed to support growth while providing the guidance and mentorship needed to build skills and explore career paths with confidence.
How Students Can Adapt to the New Internship Landscape
While the post-pandemic internship landscape is more competitive, it has also created new opportunities for students. The rise of remote and hybrid internships has expanded access to roles that may not have been available before, allowing students to work with companies across different locations. Additionally, companies are placing greater emphasis on soft skills, adaptability, and the ability to communicate effectively in virtual environments.
Here are a few strategies to help students navigate this evolving internship landscape:
• Develop Career-Readiness: To succeed in today’s internships, students should focus on building technical skills (such as commonly used software) and soft skills such as communication, time management, teamwork, and the ability to collaborate effectively both in person and in remote settings using virtual meeting platforms and collaborating in project-based work.
• Showcase Real-World Experience: Students can highlight their experience and skills through volunteer work, academic projects, freelance work, or part-time jobs. At InternWorks, we guide students on ways to present these experiences effectively on their resumes and LinkedIn profiles.
• Seek Networking Opportunities: Networking plays a crucial role in landing internships and future job opportunities. Students can actively engage in professional communities by:
1. Attending in-person and virtual career fairs
2. Following companies and industry leaders on social media to stay informed
3. Utilizing LinkedIn to connect with professionals, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions
The InternWorks Difference
At InternWorks, we understand that securing an internship in today’s landscape is more challenging than ever. Students don’t have to navigate the process alone; InternWorks creates tailored opportunities for each student, setting them up for success.
