Remote internships are no longer the exception. More and more companies offer fully or partially remote placements, especially in IT, communications, marketing and administration. That means students and supervisors need new strategies to make the internship work without sharing a physical office.
A remote internship means the student performs their tasks from a location other than the workplace, often from home, using digital tools for communication and collaboration. It places higher demands on structure, clarity and personal responsibility from both sides.
Why remote internships are increasing#
The pandemic accelerated the shift, but the trend has continued long after. Several factors are driving it:
- Geographic freedom. Students in smaller towns can do internships at companies in major cities without having to relocate.
- Flexibility. Companies can take on interns without having a physical workspace to offer.
- Digital workflows. Many tasks simply don't require physical presence.
At the same time, remote internships aren't right for every profession. Healthcare, construction, hospitality and other hands-on industries require presence. But for office-based roles, it often works better than expected.
Tips for students#
1. Create a clear workspace at home#
You don't need a home office, but you need a place where you can work undisturbed during working hours. The kitchen table with family around works in a pinch, but not as a long-term solution.
Invest in:
- A stable internet connection
- Headphones with a microphone for video meetings
- A clean desk free from distractions
2. Keep fixed hours#
It's tempting to be flexible with the clock at home, but fixed working hours help you maintain structure. Start and finish at the same time every day. It makes it easier for your supervisor to reach you and easier for you to switch off after work.
3. Be visible and communicative#
In the office, your supervisor can see you working. Remotely, they see nothing unless you actively communicate. Write regular status updates. Ask questions in the chat. Participate actively in meetings. Turn on your camera.
The most important rule: overcommunicate rather than undercommunicate. A student who is quiet remotely is quickly perceived as absent.
4. Document everything#
Remote internships generate fewer informal conversations and more formal tasks. Document what you do, when you do it, and what you learn. It helps you with:
- Your logbook
- The LIA report
- Future CV and references
5. Ask for clear expectations#
Ask your supervisor at the start: what is expected of me this week? How do you want me to report? Which tools should I use? The clearer the framework, the less uncertainty.
Tips for supervisors#
1. Plan onboarding carefully#
A remote intern can't lean on colleagues to learn the culture. You need a clear plan for the first week:
- Introduction to the team and contacts (via video call)
- Access to tools, systems and documentation
- First task defined and ready to start
2. Schedule regular check-ins#
Without daily corridor meetings, the natural feedback disappears. Replace it with scheduled check-ins:
- Daily short check-in (10–15 minutes) during the first week
- Weekly longer check-in (30 minutes) after that
- Open channel in chat for ongoing questions
3. Give concrete tasks with clear deadlines#
Vague instructions work poorly remotely. Define:
- What the task is
- What format the result should be in
- When it should be done
- Who can answer questions
4. Include the intern in the team#
Invite them to team meetings, social moments and shared video lunches. Interns who feel isolated lose motivation quickly.
5. Give feedback more often#
Remotely, the small signals disappear – a nod, a smile, a brief comment in passing. Replace them with clear, articulated feedback. Say "good job" when it's good. Say "I'd like you to adjust X" when something needs to change.
Tools that help#
| Need | Tool |
|---|---|
| Communication | Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Chat |
| Video meetings | Zoom, Google Meet, Teams |
| Task management | Trello, Asana, Notion |
| Documentation | Google Docs, Notion, Confluence |
| Time tracking | Toggl, Clockify |
| Internship management | Prakto |
A digital internship platform like Prakto can help schools monitor remote interns through daily check-ins and structured communication between student, supervisor and education provider.
Common challenges and how to solve them#
"I feel isolated"#
Normal. Actively seek contact with colleagues, participate in social activities and talk to other interns if there are any. Tell your supervisor how you feel – most want to help.
"I don't know if I'm doing enough"#
Ask for feedback. Without physical presence, it's hard to know where you stand. A short question is enough: "How do you think it's going?"
"It's hard to separate work from free time"#
Keep fixed hours. Turn off work tools after working hours. Change your physical location if you can, even if it just means closing the laptop and going to another room.
FAQ about remote internships#
Can you do LIA remotely?#
Yes, if the education provider approves it and the tasks are suitable for remote work. Always check with your school first.
Does a remote internship count as a real internship?#
Yes. What matters is that the student achieves the course objectives, not where they physically sit.
How does the supervisor handle follow-up remotely?#
Through regular video meetings, structured tasks and daily check-ins. Digital tools make it possible to follow the student's development without physical presence.
Does remote internship work for all industries?#
No. It works best for office-based roles in IT, communications, administration and similar fields. Professions that require physical presence, such as healthcare and construction, are not suitable.
Conclusion#
Remote internships require more structure and more communication, but they work. The key is that both sides – student and supervisor – take responsibility for creating clear frameworks. With the right tools and the right expectations, a remote internship can be just as educational as an on-site one.
Related reading: How to Get Strong References from Your Internship, 7 Ways to Network During Your Internship and How to Thank Your Supervisor After the Internship.
