The document describes a virtual internship program managed by RUFORUM to build and maintain its online presence and social media networks. Over a 5-month period, the intern was able to significantly increase engagement on RUFORUM's Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and SCAIN platforms by posting content, responding to comments and messages promptly, and sending invitations to alumni. However, challenges included maintaining member activity, tracking online visitors, and limited participation from some alumni due to lack of internet access. The document recommends that organizations better plan virtual internships through clear guidelines and training to help overcome the difficulties of remote work.

1. Exploring the Opportunities and
Challenges of a Virtual Internship
An Internship to Manage
RUFORUM Social Networks
RUFORUM Biennial Conference
Imperial Resort Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda
26 September 2012

2. Virtual Intern
Internet/computer
Social Networks
 Facebook
 SCAIN
 Linkedin
 Twitter
 YouTube
Agriculture

3. RUFORUM believes that online platforms would be more
effective if they were facilitated through moderation and
conscious efforts to engage target groups.
The specific purpose of the Virtual Internship was to:
Build and maintain RUFORUM online presence
Efficiently manage RUFORUM online platforms

4.  PERIOD - 1ST FEBRUARY - 30TH JUNE 2012
 Build RUFORUM Network’s online presence by
implementing a strategy for maintaining the social
networks.
RUFORUM alumni were the target group.
 Visit RUFORUM social networks daily
 Respond to RUFORUM social network comments and
email promptly (i.e. on the day that they are received)

5.  Interface collaboratively with the RUFORUM
Secretariat ICT team to ensure cohesiveness between
the social networks and the RUFORUM web site
 Moderate agreed discussion themes, conclude them,
and share findings
 Provide metrics of traffic statistics and comment
feedback
 Submit a monthly report to the RUFORUM Secretariat

6. Number of subscribers Number of subscribers after
Social Networks before the internship the 5-month internship
period period
(November 2011)
Face Book 126 266
LinkedIn 0 31
Twitter 10 25
SCAIN 0 32

7. 2012
Social Feb March April May June July
Networks
Face Book 142 152 190 233 248 266
LinkedIn 0 6 10 12 1 2
Twitter No monthly statistics
48 followers
25 tweets
SCAIN No monthly statistics
32 persons on the platform
21 student profiles

8. Month Increase in Number of Comments
(2012) Membership invitations sent out
Feb 16 28 Via RUFORUM
Alumni Database
March 10 10 From those joining
the platform
April 40 40 From those joining
the platform
May 43 40 From those joining
the platform
June 15 14 From those joining
the platform
July 18 17 From those joining
the platform

9. Activities Management Before After Total
Postings by RUFORUM 31 89 120
Postings by Alumni 21 68 89
Comments 57 410 467
Likes 46 253 299

10. General
Distance means interns don’t see how an organization
environment works.
Virtual interns aren't around other people, making it hard to build
personal rapport or management skills.
Administration and Intern commitments and communication
Timely feedback
Online
Keeping members active/getting alumni engagement
Few active Alumni participants on the platforms
Tracking visitors
Constant opportunity posting
Contacting all Alumni esp. those not in database
Internet connections and availability

11.  The virtual workplace is an important trend to be
embraced.
 Organizational requirements and planning
 TORs
 Agreements
 Disclaimers
 Meet requirements Tackle Challenges
 More research
 Revise the communication work plan
Online Management
 Training support and capacity building
 More work with students and alumni to ascertain their interests vis-
à-vis RUFORUM social networking and help them understand its
relevance for their studies and careers.

12.  RUFORUM
 Makerere University
 Supervisors
 Alumni Network
Thank you! Now, Any Thoughts?