Internships are often the first step into the professional world. While they offer students a chance to gain firsthand experience in a professional setting, navigating the workplace for the first time can also come with uncertainties.
Recognizing this, our program includes two mandatory coaching calls for all interns—one mid-way through the internship and another just before the end. These sessions are designed to equip interns with the tools and knowledge to map out their career paths and tackle any obstacles they encounter during their internships.
Over the years, this support has been praised by both our university partners and the interns themselves for the significant impact coaching has during their internship experiences.
“I had a fantastic experience working with Virtual Internships! Their setup is excellent for getting students ready to interview and work for global organizations. Plus, the Career Bridge curriculum, with its focus on the NACE Career Competencies, was the icing on the cake for SUNY Potsdam!” - Toby J. White, M.Ed, Associate Director for Applied Learning, Experiential Education.
In our Mentor Spotlight series, we’re speaking to the Virtual Internships coaches to explore the crucial role they play and the impact it has from their perspective. These people work behind the scenes, closely following and supporting learners as they progress through their internships.
With over a decade of experience in the education industry and a postgraduate degree in English literature, Blessy Alex has been mentoring and guiding emerging talent for the past three years.
We sat down with Blessy to learn more about her coaching process and the impact she has observed during her time working with interns.
So, tell us, how do you help interns develop the skills they need for their careers?
When working with interns, I like to help them really think about the purpose of their internship and what they want to achieve. We have open, reflective conversations that guide them in setting goals aligned with their career ambitions. I also bring up the NACE skills during our sessions, using examples from their internship experiences to help them see where they’re excelling and where they might need a bit more work.
Can you share a time when you helped an intern overcome a challenge during their internship?
Absolutely! I worked with an intern named Serhan, who was incredibly enthusiastic and grateful for the opportunity to be part of Virtual Internships. Since it was his first internship, he felt a bit overwhelmed and wasn’t quite sure how to navigate the new environment. He also lacked some of the skills that would help him fully tap into his potential.
During our first coaching session, we really focused on the feedback he had received and mapped out a plan for the weeks ahead. We took the time to reflect on his passions, abilities, and internship responsibilities and then created an action plan to help him align these with his future goals. This process not only gave him clarity but also boosted his confidence in connecting with professionals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
By our final session, the transformation was clear. Serhan was more confident, content, and had truly made the most out of his internship experience. The best part? He turned his internship into a full-time role with the host company. It was incredibly rewarding to see his growth and success.
What are some common challenges interns face in the professional world, and how do you help them navigate these?
Interns often struggle with things like time management, communication, dealing with different time zones, feeling overwhelmed, and the pressure of thinking they need to know everything. I’ve seen this across the board, no matter where they’re coming from.
It’s really important for interns to have someone who listens and understands where they’re coming from. That’s where I come in as a mentor—I’m here to build their confidence and remind them of their capabilities. I always stress the need for regular, honest communication with their supervisors and encourage them to share their goals and expectations. This kind of clarity helps them plan for the weeks ahead. I also push them to seek out guidance without being afraid of making mistakes because that’s how they grow. And I make sure they know about career bridge courses and webinars, which are great for preparing them for what’s next.
Check out our Career Webinar on YouTube to learn more about how coaching can make a difference in your internship experience.
Coaching plays a pivotal role in helping interns transition from the classroom to the professional world. At Virtual Internships, we recognize that internships are more than just work experience—they are opportunities for growth, learning, and building the foundation for a successful career. Our coaching sessions equip interns with the tools they need to navigate challenges, set clear goals, and gain the confidence to thrive in their roles.
By integrating our tailored experiential learning into your academic programs, you can offer your students valuable work experienc, guidance and support that will help them navigate their career paths with assurance. This approach not only prepares them for the future but also enhances their employability upon graduation.
Let’s discuss how our comprehensive internship program can enhance your students’ career readiness and success.
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