Around the world, countless companies have had to shut down temporarily or even permanently due to the ongoing health crisis. Meanwhile, the offices that have managed to stay afloat must deal with their own struggles as well — like adapting to remote work, cutting down on resources and manpower, or dealing with pay cuts. It goes without saying that this has affected internships too, not just in Australia but around the world.

Currently, many areas in Australia still remain on lockdown. Despite the health crisis, it may still be possible to go on internships if you practice health and safety precautions. So how can you be more responsible as an intern amid COVID? Below, we have listed some tips to consider:

Always check the local health department for virus updates

Thousands are being infected every day and new Coronavirus strains have started to emerge. Because of how dynamic the virus is, you should always be updated on news about it. If you’re a foreigner who plans to intern here in Australia, it’s important to check your local news first to see if outbound travel is even allowed at the moment. As much as we understand how you would like to experience your internship, health should be a priority. If the situation in your country allows, you should check the COVID-19 updates in Australia next and familiarise yourself with the protocols. Keep close contact with your partner company too to see what specific requirements you need to travel — such as COVID tests, health certificates, declaration forms, and the like.

Choose a company with high safety standards

Nobody wants to pass up good internship opportunities, but as we mentioned, it's important to prioritize your safety. So while you do your normal background checks, be sure to research their health protocols and how they're taking care of their employees. Verizon Connect’s article on the impact of COVID on the supply chain highlights how the industry leverages remote applications to limit contact. On top of this, employees on-site are required to wear PPEs and practice social distancing. Meanwhile, CNN reveals that many global companies like Shopify, Slack, and Twitter plan to stick to remote work set-ups for the foreseeable future to keep their employees safe. These stringent measures are exactly what you should be looking for in your internship, because the right company wouldn't put your health at risk for an internship.

Be proactive about health behaviour and habits

Unless your company is on a complete remote work set-up, there might be times when you have to appear at the office for your internship — whether you're clocking in or simply submitting paperwork. For whatever reason, ask your partner company or supervisor first if you have other options that don't involve your physical presence. But if you absolutely must go to the office, make sure to practice social distancing and wear your face mask at all times. Try to avoid crowds and other people who don't abide by the protocols. That includes avoiding social gatherings and intimate parties too, even though you may be tempted to meet people and socialise while in Australia. After all, it's possible that not everyone will be as mindful. And although you may not be able to control their behaviour, you can take extra care of yourself.

The article was written by Raffy June.

Raffy June is a freelance writer and photographer based in Florida. She likes travelling to experience new cultures and learn the histories of her destinations. The travelling has been put on hold due to the pandemic, but her passion for learning and writing are as bright as ever.