Virtual Internship Experiences in 2020: Lessons and Insights

With the pandemic reshaping the work environment, virtual internships have become a norm for many universities and corporations. This article shares personal experiences from two interns, one at Persistent Systems Limited and the other in Franchise Development, detailing their internships, challenges, and the lessons learned during these unprecedented times.

My Internship at Persistent Systems Limited

From January 18, 2021, to present, I have been interning at Persistent Systems Limited, a prominent technology solutions provider. Despite the virtual nature of my role, I have enjoyed a structured and supportive experience. Here’s a timeline of my journey:

Onboarding Processes and Orientations (January 2021)

The onboarding process was thorough, with detailed introductions to the company culture and work processes. My colleagues were welcoming, and the initial sessions helped me settle in.

Training and Assessments (January to March 2021)

During my training period, I dove into UI React batch training, focusing on developing an internal learning platform named Gurukul. Regular assessments kept me on track and identified areas for improvement.

Project Gurukul - Learning Platform (April to May 2021)

My most significant project involved creating a learning platform. This role required collaboration with a mentor who provided daily feedback and guidance. The support was immense, and it was comforting to know that help was just a message away.

Personal Opinions

Overall, the experience was positive. My advice to prospective interns is to be dedicated and take advantage of every opportunity. Despite the virtual setup, the work culture was still engaging, and the opportunities for learning were plentiful. Of course, missing in-person interactions was a downside, but the digital support was reliable.

Franchise Development Internship

The second part of this article focuses on my virtual internship in franchise development. My role involved selling franchises to potential investors, a task that comes with its own set of challenges and advantages.

Challenges

The main challenge was the difficulty in meeting clients virtually. Follow-ups and presentations were hindered by the lack of in-person interactions. However, virtual trade shows turned out to be a success, vastly surpassing traditional events.

Advantages

The virtual nature of the internship also had its perks. For instance, virtual trade shows allowed companies to reach a wider audience across the globe. Social media and online platforms provided more lead generation opportunities, making this a robust alternative to traditional trade shows.

Conclusion

Both virtual internships have shown that with the right approach and tools, virtual work can be highly productive and fulfilling. Future interns might face similar challenges but should be thankful for the opportunities that technology provides.

Overall, both internships highlighted the importance of adaptability, remote working skills, and a positive attitude towards virtual interactions. As technology continues to evolve, these experiences are valuable lessons for professionals and students alike.