Most people assume that an internship is synonymous with a cramped cubicle, or a refurbished broom closet – that you are working at the official space of your institution. So what exactly is a working from home internship, and how do you keep yourself on track?
Beds are bad and desks are delightful.
Those are words to live by if you are working from home. Beds are just too comfortable to focus on daily goals and meeting deadlines; you’re sooner to get sidetracked with video essays on YouTube than doing research on theatre styles and Shared Authority in Museums when lounging on a mattress. I know a desk isn’t romantic or as warm and inviting, but it keeps you focused. Keep that posture strong, put a pillow on the seat, keep a mug of coffee at the ready and you will somehow find concentration comes a whole lot easier. If you need a breather, you can stretch your legs and walk around the house, or fashion yourself your own makeshift standing desk (who knew textbooks would be so useful?) Trust me, in a bed you may the comfiest intern that ever was, but certainly not the most productive.
Music is not a Must, but it can be a Maybe
No one is around you! It’s you in your room, or at your kitchen table, or your local library (ear buds for that one), and with that kind of privacy why not put on some music while you work? I don’t consider that to be an abuse of your newfound, working from home power – a little Nina Simone, Dead Kennedy’s, or Miles Davis are good for me when doing small tasks – just don’t let the tunes take priority. This song has an amazing bass line you have to listen for and that song you can’t not sing along to - I know - but at the end of the day you are still working. If the music drives productivity – great! If you are more entrenched in the tunes than your work, it’s time to hit pause.
Check-In Calls are Key
(All photos from pixabay. This one happens to be my favourite.)
It may seem daunting, working alone and having to do a report of your work over the phone at the end of the day, or in person at the end of the month but they are incredibly helpful. To be honest, working from home comes with its pitfalls; sometimes you can pursue a task wholeheartedly and realize your approach wasn’t correct. That is okay, actually that’s terrific because then you get a clarified vision of what you need to be doing and that is impossible without check-ins with your supervisor. You are working for them, and they want you to do a good job and guide you to a solid final product. Do good work and present what you have been working on in an organized, direct manner and the check-ins will be a breeze.
Working from home takes some getting used to. But think about it this way: you are in a space where you know that you are comfortable. Let that comfort allow you to thoughtfully and creatively pursue your goals and don't let that bed at your back weigh you down.