Presentation slide from my final report about labor and trafficking in Zimbabwe.

Author: Ana Pendergast | Major: International Business Economics | Semester: Fall 2022-Spring 2023

This year I had the opportunity to intern for the US Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe through the Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS). I worked alongside Foreign Service Officers in the Political-Economic Unit of the Embassy. My project involved researching legislation pertaining to labor and human trafficking in Zimbabwe. I worked to identify challenges ensuring safe and legal employment in the area, and identify ways in which the US Embassy could help support these initiatives. Through this internship I was able to learn more about how the State Department and its embassies function across the world, while also gaining knowledge and insight into a prominent issue facing Zimbabwe.

The VSFS is a great opportunity for students interested in public service or working with the government. Over the summer, many federal agencies, like the State Department, will open projects that students can apply for and be selected to intern with for an academic year. Students will work remotely, typically for 10 hours a week and have the opportunity for monthly networking meetings. While virtual internships offer great opportunities for students to expand their experiences and gain access to industries or networks outside of their geographic location, they offer some challenges. It can feel isolating, hard to stay on task and motivated. Here’s my advice for students applying for or completing a virtual internship to combat those feelings.

1) Virtual Networking

Virtual internships and remote work can feel isolating, especially if you haven’t had the chance to meet coworkers face to face. However, networking can happen virtually or in person, and its important to take every opportunity to do so. I was one of 4 interns working with the embassy in Harare. We started a group chat to help each other with work and to get to know each other better. Though we were from 4 different states (and 3 time zones!) this helped us feel connected and included. Especially when we had questions, it was good to have people we could ask and not feel out of place. Meeting other virtual interns on the monthly networking calls was also a great way to feel less isolated. Connect with your coworkers, bosses and others at the company however you can- LinkedIn, email or through calls.

2) Set a schedule – and stick to it

Virtual internships typically offer a lot of flexibility and little oversight. Though it was a 9 month program, we had no set deadlines so it was easy to get off schedule. I set goals for myself for each month and had a weekly schedule so I could hold myself accountable. While its important to stick to your schedule as much as possible, it’s important to account for things like travel and finals so you get off track. Sharing your goals and schedules with a fellow intern or your boss can help keep you accountable and on target.

3) Make your work space separate from all else

Lastly, the hardest part of my virtual internship was staying on task when in an environment I didn’t associate with work. While virtual or remote work can make it tempting to work straight from your bed, car or anywhere else, having a set space dedicated to your work can help you stay focused. Don’t bring other work (like class assignments) and it even helps to dress up so you feel (and are) more productive.

Virtual internships are a great way to expand your résumé and gain valuable experience. I hope these tips help make you successful in your virtual internships! Thank you to the University of Arkansas Honors College for the Domestic Internship Grant which made this experience possible.