The COVID-19 pandemic catapulted the world into strange and unfamiliar territory. As college students, it is easy to feel like time and crucial life moments are being ripped away from us. I can admit that I am definitely one of those people who wishes almost every day that COVID-19 did not exist and I got to experience all of the study abroads, campus activities and in-person internships that I had lined up for the rest of my college career.

But unprecedented times also call for unprecedented opportunities. We’re living in a virtual world, and it’s time to start taking advantage of the ability to intern and learn from anywhere. Throughout the past year, I have had the opportunity to intern virtually for four different companies and have worked with dozens of people that I may never meet in person. I’ve reflected on all of my experiences and put together a list of the top tips I have for interning in a COVID-19 world.

1. ​Capitalize on your ability to work anywhere. ​

Virtual opportunities have opened up a new and vast field of internships and the best part is, it doesn’t matter where you live. You can connect with companies from all over the world from your dorm room. And don’t let a little thing like time zones stop you! This past summer, I was prepared to move to London for two months to start my first ever internship and experience a new environment. Little did I know that I would still be able to experience the company culture and clientele of the UK through my computer screen, despite being stuck in my childhood bedroom. There was a five hour time difference, but I was still able to interact with my coworkers regularly and gain valuable experience.

2. ​Communication is key. ​

Communication is one of the most important aspects of any working relationship, but it becomes even more so when you don’t see each other face to face. Sometimes it is difficult to know exactly what people are asking for in an email. Keep in mind that the companies you are interning with are there to help you learn and grow, and that it’s okay to ask for help. I have found that problems get solved much faster when I’ve asked to hop on a Zoom call to talk things through rather than figuring it out on my own or through email threads.

3. ​Look for the open doors instead of dwelling on the closed ones. ​

This past year has been tough on all of us and sometimes it can be easy to focus on what has been lost. Instead, find ways to turn those closed doors into new opportunities. I had my heart set on going to Belmont East in the spring 2021 semester, but the pandemic had different plans. Despite this loss, I was still able to secure an internship based in New York City with a company I love, in a position I may never have come across if my original plan had panned out. Another benefit to waiting means that I will start off my semester in New York this fall with warm weather, instead of the freezing cold. When you find something blocking your path, pivot and you could find something unexpected and great.

4. ​Working from home also means working comfortably.

​A virtual work environment gives students a chance to slowly acclimate themselves to the workplace. Although the professional world is nearing, virtual internships give you the ability to still dress like a college student and go to work in a sweatshirt or whatever you are comfortable in. On the days that it is hard to get out of bed in the morning, your commute is five steps to your computer rather than 15 minutes on the highway.

2020 is not at all how I pictured my sophomore and junior years of college, but the experiences I’ve had helped me to grow personally and professionally in ways I could not have imagined. Throughout your internship searches, remember that we’re all in the same boat. If you’re worried about not having enough experience to prepare you for life after graduation, don’t be. With the plethora of opportunities out there, virtual internships are great options for advancing your skills and confidence!

Bronwyn Milne is a junior public relations student from Milton, Georgia with minors in corporate communications and fashion studies. She is currently interning with The Decker & Royal Agency, which specializes in travel and hospitality PR and is based in New York City. In her free time, she enjoys cirque du soleil, reading and traveling.