The following post was contributed by Jen Collins, a current member of FischTank’s PR internship program.
FischTank PR provides an interactive Summer PR Internship Program, which has been an amazing experience, especially for a first-time intern, like me. Remote internships can have days where you are confident and knocking out tasks assigned to you, and times where you are hustling to get projects done by its given due date. When navigating the few months of true industry experience, it is essential to stay focused, connected and motivated from your remote location.
In order to optimize interning from home, follow these three tips below:
- Be organized, this is key for time and project management.
First, it is important to stay on top of your space at home. Have a designated workspace where you can keep track of each assignment. Personally, I love having my calendar in front of me to write down due dates, or advice and instructions given during Slack or Google Meet calls. If you prefer something digital, such as Google Calendar, make sure to check each morning and have notifications on to remind you of short- and long-term assignments.
Supervisors may send you emails weeks in advance of the due date. Keep these written down, physically or electronically, so deadlines don’t get lost in the shuffle.
- Ask questions, ask for feedback, and be proactive!
Regardless of your role in a company, communication is at the forefront. If you are confused with an assignment, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions. Everyone there wants you to learn and be successful. Your colleagues would rather take a few extra minutes to explain projects further than make you start all over again!
Additionally, feedback is critical for interns. This will help you better understand future assignments or even future jobs within the industry. If you don’t ask for critiques, you will never know if what you are doing is correct or helpful to the company and its employees. Be consistently proactive and show you are there to retain information and grow professionally.
- Reach out and make connections with as many people as possible.
It is crucial, especially when you are communicating with others through Slack and emails instead of in person, to have informed dialogue. In addition to making yourself available as a resource, this enables you to provide timely updates regarding task progress or status.
If you isolate yourself at home and are not informing supervisors and team members of your actions, it is harder for them to help you! Isolation when working from home can defeat the whole purpose of an internship.
In all, I’m so grateful that I was able to have continual conversations remotely with numerous employees of FischTank PR. When entering the PR internship program five months ago, I had little knowledge of what was in store for me. By requesting assignments, asking questions, and constantly staying in touch with others, your remote internship will turn out to be an impactful experience you can apply to the rest of your career.
Interested in an internship with FischTank PR? Visit our Careers page to connect with us.
