creating a mutually beneficial virtual internship program
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Creating a Mutually Beneficial Virtual Internship Program
So, you want to develop a virtual internship program…
But are you ready?
To have a successful program, you need to have a few things
in place
A project management tool is essential. You may be able to
use a free application.
If you plan to expand your program over time, you might want to consider activeCollab
Invest in a remote desktop software, such as CrossLoop
How do you plan to communicate?
Skype for Business is probably your best option
Plan on having a regular weekly meeting, as well
With a couple interns, use Skype-to-Skype free calling
As your program grows, you might want to consider Skype
group chats
Give an overview of important company news to help the
interns feel involved
Hold brainstorming sessions, when needed
Allow each intern to give an update of projects for the week to help build a cohesive team
Give kudos on specific accomplishments whenever
possible!
Allow time at the end for questions about the week’s
assignments
Virtual internships take both the right candidate and the
right supervisor
During interviews, be sure to ask candidates the right questions
• Give me an example of a time when you worked on a project successfully with little supervision
• Tell me about a time when you made a mistake and describe how you solved the situation
Candidates should have prior
internship and/or office experience
A virtual internship should not be the first internship
for a candidate!
Ask candidates’ references if they would recommend them
for a virtual internship and why
Supervisors must have excellent
project management skills
and preferably prior experience
supervising interns
Just like with candidates, virtual internships are not a good new manager starting point!
Plan in advance
Give your intern(s) real assignments, just as though they were in the office!
– Create a monthly plan for major projects in before they start
– Provide detailed assignments on a weekly or bi-weekly basis
Encourage and be available for questions
Create an intern blog to help journal the experience for school and their résumé(s)
Create a Facebook group or Ning site to encourage
communication
Now that you’ve developed your program, how do you plan to find
your virtual interns?
Questions?
Heather R. HuhmanFounder & PresidentCome [email protected]@HeatherHuhman