How to Have an Impactful Internship… Virtually

The start of any internship brings a wide range of emotions, from excitement to nervousness. After months of anticipating our first day at Slack, reality sunk in that this summer would be extremely different from any other. Due to the pandemic, our entire experience would be virtual.  As the two interns for the Product Security…

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Slack
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Nikita Ashok
•10 min read•advanced•
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ChefCSSHTMLMachine LearningPythonTypeScriptXSS

Overview

The article discusses how to have a successful virtual internship, particularly in a fully distributed company like Slack. It emphasizes the importance of communication, collaboration, and technical skills while providing insights from two interns about their experiences and lessons learned during their time at Slack.

What You'll Learn

1

How to effectively onboard in a virtual environment

2

Why clear communication is crucial in distributed teams

3

How to develop a standalone HTML sanitizer in Hack

Prerequisites & Requirements

  • Basic understanding of software development and security concepts
  • Familiarity with remote work tools like Slack and Zoom(optional)

Key Questions Answered

How can interns effectively communicate in a virtual setting?
Interns can enhance communication by being direct and concise in their messages, using proper jargon, and linking relevant information. This approach helps ensure clarity and efficiency, especially when working across different time zones.
What technical project did the interns work on during their internship?
The interns developed a standalone HTML sanitizer in Hack to improve security against Cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. This project aimed to eliminate reliance on third-party libraries and enhance the security of Slack's web application.
What challenges did the interns face during their virtual onboarding?
The interns faced challenges such as the lack of in-person interactions and the overwhelming nature of a packed calendar. However, they adapted by utilizing Slack for communication and scheduling informal hangouts to build relationships with peers.
Why is it important to build relationships during a virtual internship?
Building relationships helps create a supportive work environment, which is crucial for collaboration and communication. The interns found that engaging in non-work-related activities fostered connections that enhanced their overall internship experience.

Key Statistics & Figures

Time difference between interns
3 hours
The interns worked from different time zones, which required effective planning and communication to maintain project momentum.

Technologies & Tools

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Programming Language
Hack
Used to develop a standalone HTML sanitizer for improved security.
Communication Tool
Slack
Utilized for onboarding, team meetings, and daily communication.
Communication Tool
Zoom
Used for virtual meetings and onboarding sessions.

Key Actionable Insights

1
Engage in informal hangouts with fellow interns to build relationships.
This helps to alleviate the isolation of remote work and fosters a sense of community, making it easier to collaborate on projects.
2
Utilize tools like Slack to streamline communication and manage your calendar effectively.
Integrating your calendar with Slack can help you stay organized and ensure you don't miss important meetings, especially in a busy onboarding schedule.
3
Seek out mentors and ask specific questions when facing challenges.
This approach not only helps you overcome obstacles but also builds rapport with team members, enhancing your learning experience.

Common Pitfalls

1
Failing to engage with team members can lead to feelings of isolation.
Interns may miss out on valuable connections and support if they do not take the initiative to reach out and communicate with their colleagues.
2
Overwhelming schedules can hinder productivity.
Interns should prioritize their tasks and manage their time effectively to avoid burnout and ensure they can fully participate in onboarding and project work.

Related Concepts

Remote Work Best Practices
Effective Communication In Distributed Teams
Software Security Fundamentals