It has been more than a year since COVID-19 shocked businesses all over the world, with businesses globally upended, reshaped, and in extreme cases, shutdown. Business leaders have had to think quickly to re-organize and redesign workspaces and processes, ensure their employees’ safety, and comply with government safety regulations. With the importance of internships remaining a key part of nurturing talent within companies, mentoring opportunities for employees, and career development for new graduates and young adults, interns are also learning to navigate a post-COVID-19 workplace.
What can interns expect when starting their internship in a post-COVID environment?
With a newfound appreciation for and understanding of how working from home is possible for many sectors, interns can expect the elimination of many barriers. With the rise of technology playing a critical role in boosting company-wide production and revenue generation, more companies will embrace the possibility of utilizing technology to increase the possibility of hybrid or remote internships. As a result of this, more virtual internship opportunities may become available as time goes on. This will open virtual internship opportunities to a far broader population and eliminate a spectrum of barriers that previously prevented talented candidates from seeking out qualified internships. While few companies are moving to a 100% remote office, the majority of employers will implement a hybrid workplace as it is still believed that offices are critical to employee engagement and workplace culture. What will interns find upon starting their internship?
