By: Chanèle McFarlane
I’ll never forget my first internship. It was with a small, public relations agency and I was excited for a number of reasons. I’d got to commute downtown, get dressed up and work in an office with experienced professionals for the first time and I finally felt like I was on my way to the “real world.”
That was several years ago and of course, internships have changed quite a bit since then, to say the least. Like everything else that we used to do in-person, internships have gone virtual which has drastically changed the experience you may be used to (if you’ve done an internship before) or have been looking forward to for the first time.
No strolling through the hallways, getting to know your colleagues over coffee chats and after-work drinks, meetings in big boardrooms and the list goes on. Actually, there’s no more grabbing coffee either like we often see in the movies and as someone who was the “coffee girl” at a past internship, I can tell you that you’re not missing out!
So, yes, a lot has changed but the value of the internship hasn’t. It is still one of the best things you can do to kickstart your career and build a professional network. However, how do you still make a good impression while interning remotely? And of course, how do you navigate the virtual workplace as a woman of colour?
Here are my 5 best tips:
Set strong boundaries
We already have a lot to prove as women of colour in the workplace so of course, trying to work twice as hard as our non-racialized colleagues tends to be second nature. Yes, you want to work hard during your internship but remember that burnout is still very much possible when interning remotely. Take control of your calendar by scheduling time everyday for lunch and to take a few moments to stretch or even go for a walk.
It’s also important to be honest with your manager about your workload. It’s easy to try to overcompensate for not being in the office by taking on any work that comes your way but knowing your capacity is key so you don’t drop the ball.
Also, consider setting boundaries at home if you live with family or other folks. Not everyone understands that “working from home” still requires work (if you know what I mean!) and it’s easy for them to get in the habit of asking for favours throughout the day and just generally disrupting your workflow.
Find your virtual allies
The one thing that genuinely shocked me the most as an intern was discovering all the hidden rules to success at work, especially as a woman of colour. From how to influence people with your ideas to how to best advocate for yourself, it’s absolutely crucial to try and find your allies – people that can share the honest insights on how to successfully navigate the workplace.
Even before you start your internship, take some time to connect with your future colleagues, especially on Linkedin. Once your internship has begun, I highly recommend joining employee resource groups and spending time connecting with other fellow interns. Actively participate in conversations with your team on Slack, Webex, Microsoft Teams or whatever virtual communication platform your organization uses.
I also recommend dedicating time every single week to having one-on-one virtual coffee chats. Your goal should be to connect with people across all levels of the organization so that you build the widest network possible. You never know what career opportunities could come your way now and in the future.
As women of colour, many of us grow up with the understanding that all we have to do is work hard and we’ll succeed. As you enter the workforce, you’ll quickly learn that working hard is just one small part of the equation. Your visibility and professional relationships are absolutely essential and you must network as hard as you work to ensure that you’re able to advance your career.
Diligently track and share your work
I know, I know. Talking about your accomplishments can feel a bit icky but in a virtual setting, it’s more important than ever to make sure everyone is aware of the value you’re contributing. You no longer have the benefit of people walking by your desk to see what you’re working on so you proactively have to bring it to their attention.
I suggest creating a Google doc and taking a few moments at the end of each week to write down the tasks you completed and any specific accomplishments. This will come in handy as you can reference it when you have check-ins with your manager and at the end of your internship, you can use it to update your resume and Linkedin profile.
Always over-communicate
During one of my many internships (I did 6!), this was a big piece of feedback I received. Essentially, I was always so focused on just getting the work done that I never kept my manager up to date on my progress. She wouldn’t know what I’m working on or if I was close to completing a task unless she asked me.
So, the lesson here is this: over-communicate! Always keep your manager and anyone you’re working with up to date so that they’re not left wondering what’s going on. Again, it’s up to you so keep yourself visible and with a virtual internship, the saying “out of sight, out of mind” couldn’t be more true. It’s a good idea to also ask your manager at the start of your internship how they prefer to communicate, including how often they like to be updated while you’re working on something. This way you can ensure that you meet (or even better, exceed!) their expectations.
Create a strong virtual presence
In a normal world, we know that in the workplace as women of colour, we tend to be hyper-visible, especially if you’re the “only.” Your contributions and your presence will always be highly scrutinized which is why it’s important to create a strong virtual presence that makes a great impression.
Of course, we all have days when we don’t feel like being on camera. When you’re not feeling up to it, talk to your manager so they’re not left to make their own conclusions about you. That said, I would suggest doing your best to be on camera as much as possible so people can get to know who you are, especially as internships are typically within such a short time frame. If you’re not comfortable having your home on screen, look into getting a virtual background. With a quick Google search, you’ll be able to find tons of free ones to choose from.
Additionally, when you’re visible on screen, take pride in your appearance by wearing an appropriate outfit. Prior to starting your internship, be sure to ask what the dress code is so that you can ensure you have the right attire – at least from the top half that’s visible on camera!
Remote internships may be a little more challenging but don’t let that affect your confidence. Remember, you were hired because of your demonstrated value to the company. An internship is an incredible early career experience that can have a significant impact on your professional journey. Make the most of the experience, however different it may look and feel, so that it can set you up for future success. You got this!
