I began my internship search last year, right before the pandemic. Like most people expecting to celebrate their success by throwing their graduation cap up to the sky or starting a new job in a new city, my plans were set aside for the time being. Regardless of what I felt, I consistently told myself to trust the process and the redirection, and I’m glad I did. As a content marketing intern at 8x8, my strengths and weaknesses were put to the test. Working in a welcoming environment surrounded by driven and creative people made it easy to adapt. Despite not working in a traditional office setting, I wanted to make the most of my experience.

Even though working from home can be tough, I learned the importance of taking small breaks and asking questions. My time at 8x8 has made me a strong communicator and a more efficient worker. I couldn’t have grown as a marketer without working with an amazing team. Having a virtual internship does come with its own challenges, but they are not insurmountable.

Here are some helpful tips from one remote intern to another:

1. Ask Questions and Ask Them Frequently

It’s better to ask than assume. Your managers don’t expect you to know everything right away. That being said, if you need clarification or assistance, your team is more than happy to help. Remember that this is a learning experience and to not be too harsh on yourself. You won’t look silly for asking too many questions, but instead, you will get a complete understanding of any unfamiliar terrain. With that, ask for feedback as much as possible. Not only will this tell you what you need to work on, but it will motivate you to perform better.

2. Set Up Your Workspace Wisely

Where you work should be completely separate from your living space. When working from home, you want to recreate the feeling of “going to work” as much as possible. Doing so helps to create a healthy boundary between work and life, developing a space that you can enter and leave everyday. Try to avoid working in the bedroom and living room, as these spaces are intended for rest and relaxation.

3. Take Necessary Breaks

If you are like me and you spend eight hours a day looking at the screen for work or school, it’s crucial to take multiple breaks to give your eyes a rest. While interning at 8x8, I was introduced to the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes you spend looking at a screen, look away at something that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps prevent eye strain.

Your body needs a break too. Stretch, walk around the house, take a few deep breaths every now and then. Doing so can improve your quality of work and help you stay energized throughout the day.

4. Set Goals

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What skills would I like to learn and improve?
  • What are my biggest challenges and how can I work on them?
  • What do I hope to gain from this experience?

At the beginning of your internship, meet with your manager to discuss what is to be accomplished during your time with the company. This can be any project, goal, or expectation. Schedule weekly check-ins with your manager to continuously touch base on these goals.

5. You Can Do It

Be kind to yourself. Nothing is unachievable. Remember to celebrate your successes, no matter how big or small.

Happy National Intern Day to all US interns; keep up the good work!