3 reasons why your intern is not performing

Remote internships have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering numerous benefits for employers and interns. However, remote internships can come with their own set of challenges, and it is common for remote interns to struggle to perform well. In this blog post, we will explore three reasons remote interns may not perform well: wrong communication style, language barriers, and ineffective briefs with unclear objectives.

1. Communication Style

Effective communication is vital to the success of any internship, but it can be incredibly challenging in a remote environment. Without face-to-face interaction, building rapport and establishing clear expectations can be difficult. In addition, remote interns may struggle to receive feedback, ask questions, or understand instructions when communication is poor.

Managers can mitigate this problem by establishing clear communication guidelines and using a variety of communication channels, such as email, instant messaging, and video conferencing. They should also proactively provide regular feedback and opportunities for interns to ask questions.

2. Language Barriers

Language barriers can be a significant obstacle for remote interns who are not native speakers of the language used in the workplace. Misunderstandings and confusion can arise when interns do not fully understand instructions or have trouble expressing themselves. This can lead to frustration and a lack of confidence in their ability to perform well.

Managers can offer language training or provide written instructions in multiple languages to overcome language barriers. They can also encourage interns to ask questions and clarify instructions to ensure mutual understanding.

3. Ineffective Briefs with Unclear Objectives

Remote interns may struggle to perform well when given unclear or poorly defined objectives. However, with a clear understanding of your expectations of them, they may be able to prioritize tasks, manage their time effectively, or produce high-quality work.

Managers can avoid this problem by providing clear, detailed briefs with specific objectives and deadlines. They should also provide regular feedback to help interns stay on track and make adjustments as needed.

Here's a clear process on how to write a good project brief for your intern.

In conclusion, remote internships offer numerous benefits but present unique challenges. By addressing issues related to communication, language barriers, and unclear objectives, managers can help remote interns perform to the best of their abilities and maximize the benefits of the internship experience.

Here's a sample brief that you can fill out to get your intern off to a good start.