My Remote Internship Experience

By Sejal

COVID-19 has affected all features of life around the world, in all nations and all businesses. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t use this time to work on our academic study and our career skills.

Before the pandemic, I had planned my ideal internship in the UK, but I’ve now had to return to Pune, India. However, I’ve fortunately still had the ability to work for a major organisation without leaving my house.

 

 

 

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'Initially I thought it would be difficult to cope with academics but @solentuniversity has been absolutely helpful' Thanks Sejal for sharing your experience of online learning from #India with us #WeAreTogether #HumSaathHai #WeAreInternational #StudentLife #StudyAbroad

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My remote internship journey started when people from the luxury goods industry came to my lectures and inspired me. I am now taking part in the ‘Luxury Trail Project’ offered by Business South, a company which helps promote and engage with luxury brands in the southern hemisphere. Luxury brands have very little mainstream presence here, so we are presenting them with a platform and helping those brands to advance.

The Luxury Trail is an online tool containing research on luxury businesses such as yachts, cruises, fashion and hospitality. We have planned an interactive map which will feature those businesses, with a pop-up window offering information about each business.

Participating in a remote internship has meant adjusting to working online and talking with colleagues over Zoom. The hours have flown by since I have got acquainted with the job. I currently work in a group of three and we have distributed work among ourselves, which has been a useful way to learn the benefits of cooperation.

Every week, we talk over Zoom and also use WhatsApp to discuss and ask questions. I also have a video call with a senior manager to take additional proposals and examine issues. Working like this was hectic to begin with, but in reality I’ve found working remotely fun.

The lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has been fortunate for me as it has given me the confidence and ambition to succeed. I am now able to manage by time better as I juggle being an intern and a student and I’m also making the most of my hobbies - gardening and looking after pets.

This remote internship has made me a more patient person and improved my ability to work in a team. I have learned numerous things from this entire experience that I wouldn’t have if life had carried on as normal.

The #WeAreTogether campaign brings students together from universities across the UK to share their experience of what it’s like to study in the UK during Covid-19. It is a difficult time for international students right now, but universities are here to support them. Follow us on Instagram for tips, advice, and information for current and future international students.