11 Ideas for Effective Remote Externships This Summer
Work-based learning experiences, such as externships and internships, can be transformative for professional development and training effectiveness. STEMpath, our professional learning program for educators developed in partnership with mindSpark Learning and Metropolitan State University of Denver, includes a critical externship component. The externship is credit bearing and part of the Computer Science Master’s certificate educators earn.
Our current STEMpath 2020 educator cohort has made the transition to a fully virtual experience. That means externships might be a bit different this year for some companies. As extern mentors, we know it is critical to establish rapport. Building trust in virtual environments is different, but achievable. To have a successful remote externship experience, we have created the following 11 tips for host companies based on my own personal experience hosting an STEMpath extern in the summer of 2019.
Note: these tips are just as relevant to internship host companies and mentors too.
Provide a written scope of work to set expectations of the externship. I created a written job description up front that changed a few times as priorities shifted and opportunities emerged.
Get to know your extern professionally to understand their prior experience and positions held. I made a point to connect with my extern on LinkedIn.
Set up your extern with the right communication tools. For us that was Slack since I could easily add a new user without needing to establish a new corporate email account.
Share communication norms for the team members they will be interacting with such as when they best collaborate, and which communication methods are preferred. That is when I usually share never to leave me a voicemail.
Have daily stand-up meetings on the days when your extern is scheduled to work. During these stand-ups, I shared what was on my plate for the day too.
Set and adjust deadlines during each stand-up while focusing on the what needs gets done, not necessarily when the work gets accomplished.
Hold empathy for at home commitments and interruptions when externs might need time to care for their families or furry companions.
Share your personal hobbies and what brings you joy – invite them to do the same. My extern and I bonded over our gardens which helped to build a stronger relationship.
While your extern cannot grab a coffee with team members that work in other parts of the business, perhaps you can facilitate 15-minute walking phone meetings or video calls for them.
Ask your extern to send a brief weekly email recap about lessons learned and progress against objectives. These summaries will help you to provide thoughtful and timely feedback.
Find unique ways to celebrate your extern’s accomplishments since we will likely not be having lunches or happy hours in person. I provided a LinkedIn recommendation at the end of the externship to help celebrate our extern’s accomplishments.
Thank you to all the companies who are hosting externs this summer! We appreciate you.
Have any other insights? We would love to hear from you if you have any questions or suggestions as you prepare your team to receive externs or interns this summer. #staysafe