3 Tips on How to Have a Successful Virtual Summer Internship
By Sophie Irby, Human Resources Intern
Before starting my Summer 2020 internship at Fidelity, I had a list of all the things I was looking forward to: making connections in the office, in-person lunch-and-learns, walking the trails around the campus, getting a feel of the corporate workplace and so much more. With the Covid-19 pandemic, my list of goals was suddenly in jeopardy as my internship was moved to being 100% remote.
At first, I was saddened to hear the news about working remotely for the summer. I knew that my summer was not going to be what I anticipated, but I was ready to face this challenge head-on and make the most of my experience. This is such a unique time for everyone, and the fact that Fidelity managed to continue with their internship program for nearly 1,000 interns is a testament to the outstanding culture and employees of the firm. Keep reading to get my three tips on how to make the most of a virtual summer internship.
Show up to “the office”: Even though we aren’t technically going into the office, it is still important to show up to “work” every day ready to go. Step one is changing out of your pajamas; it is nearly impossible to focus while wearing what you sleep in. When it comes to creating a workspace at home, it is so important to set up in a spot that you know you will be able to focus. Whether you are using a small coffee table, a kitchen counter, or a DIY standing desk, make sure that every day you bring your best self to work. Being at home, I know how tempting it is to want to lay in bed or lounge in the sun, but setting up a workspace with minimal distractions has helped me immensely throughout this summer. Make sure there is good lighting to keep productivity levels up, and room for you to walk around and stretch once in a while.
Stay open-minded: This was my first corporate internship, and to be completely honest, I had no idea what to expect. My nerves really started to kick in a few days prior to my start date, especially since this was a newly crafted virtual experience. Staying open-minded and taking every opportunity that I can has helped me get through this unique time. One phrase I heard multiple times during my first week as an intern was “get comfortable being uncomfortable”. I have taken that quote with me every day and still use it to my advantage. Since we aren’t having in-person interactions with associates at the office, it is so important to take every opportunity that you can get and just say “yes”.
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there: The first thing I noticed when I started working at Fidelity was how willing associates were to get to know the interns. Everyone on my team was extremely welcoming which made navigating the first couple days much easier. Even more so when working remotely, it is critical to capitalize on the importance of networking. Since we don’t get face-to-face interactions and we miss out on random introductions in the hallways and water-cooler chats, we must make virtual networking a priority. I reached out to several associates to connect with them to hear more about their career journeys, and every single one offered to give me a portion of their time. It is the small things that count, so don’t be afraid to reach out to someone and grow your network.
