The world of work has undeniably changed a huge amount over recent years, which has had a knock-on effect when it comes to internships and work experience. Virtual internships are now extremely popular, and for some businesses, it makes perfect sense to offer this. Additionally, it is very possible that there will be even more businesses people can apply to as they’re not restricted by their local area when looking for a virtual internship.
There are lots of different types of internships that people can undertake at different times in their career and education. For example, there are many industries in which graduate internships have become the norm, meaning that after qualifying and getting a degree, people may then move on to carry out a paid internship.
2,100,000 people are estimated to work from home in the UK
What Are Virtual Internships?
A virtual internship is a work experience opportunity that takes place remotely, allowing individuals to gain professional experience and skills without being physically present in a traditional office setting.
Virtual internships leverage technology such as Zoom and other video call software, and digital tools to facilitate communication, collaboration, and productivity, enabling interns to work from any location with an internet connection.
In a virtual internship, interns typically engage in tasks, projects, and assignments assigned by the host organisation or employer, which may include research, data analysis, content creation, marketing, software development, or administrative support, among other tasks. Virtual internships in the UK should be paid if you are carrying out the same tasks as an employee, but if you are just ‘shadowing’ or if it is part of a qualification, this may not be the case.
Interns usually communicate with supervisors, colleagues, and team members using online communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams which may include email, video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management tools.
This growth in technology is one of the reasons why virtual internships are now popular. Employers know they can reliably connect with interns and give them clear instructions even though they are not physically with them.
Benefits of Virtual Internships
Think of an internship and you might think of getting up, putting on a suit, and heading into a workplace on the commute. In some industries, internships may involve hands-on work such as dealing with machines, but those more focused on office work can allow an opportunity for virtual staff and virtual internships.
In many cases, virtual internships make sense for both parties.
Virtual internships provide flexibility in terms of scheduling and location. Interns can work from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing them to balance their internship with other commitments such as education, part-time jobs, or personal responsibilities but still gain experience. This flexibility makes virtual internships accessible to a wider range of individuals, including those who may not be able to participate in traditional in-person internships because of where they live.
When applying for virtual internships, customise your applications to highlight your ability to thrive in a remote work environment. Showcase your proficiency with virtual collaboration tools, self-motivation, and adaptability.
Virtual internships eliminate the need for interns to commute to a physical office, saving time and money on transportation expenses. Host organisations also benefit from cost savings associated with providing office space, equipment, and resources for interns. This cost-effectiveness makes virtual internships an attractive option for both interns and organisations, particularly for those operating on tight budgets or in remote areas.
Many of these internships provide valuable opportunities for interns to develop and enhance a wide range of skills, including communication, time management, problem-solving, and digital literacy. Interns gain hands-on experience working with virtual collaboration tools, project management software, and online communication platforms, which are increasingly important skills in today's digital workplace as people dial in and connect from more locations.
Virtual internships remove geographical barriers, allowing interns to work with organisations located anywhere in the world.
This opens up a diverse range of opportunities in different industries, sectors, and markets, providing interns with exposure to global perspectives and cross-cultural experiences. Virtual internships enable interns to collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, fostering cultural understanding and international networking opportunities.
Upskill Internships – Another Type of Virtual Internship
Virtual internships may also take the form of simple training courses, some of which can be completed pretty quickly, adding something to job applications and CVs in the future (though not as much as a full internship would.) A few examples of virtual internships are below. They provide an interesting overview of some of the opportunities that may be available to people.
Clifford Chance Virtual Internship
The Clifford Chance Virtual Internship offers participants a unique opportunity to gain insight into the legal profession and experience working at one of the world's leading law firms from the comfort of their own homes. This is a chance to upskill by completing some of the work new recruits might experience if they were working at the company.
This virtual internship program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the legal industry, the role of a solicitor, and the types of work undertaken by lawyers at Clifford Chance.
Participants in the Clifford Chance Virtual Internship have the opportunity to engage in a series of interactive modules and practical exercises that simulate real-world legal tasks and scenarios. Through these modules, interns gain exposure to various practice areas, such as corporate law, finance, litigation, and commercial law, and learn about the firm's clients, projects, and international footprint.
CitiGroup
CitiGroup is another global business offering virtual internships in a variety of different topics relating to different parts of their businesses.
Citigroup's virtual internship programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the banking and financial services industry, as well as exposure to various roles and functions within CitiGroup.
Those who take on CitiGroup's virtual internships have the opportunity to engage in a range of activities and projects that mirror the responsibilities of full-time employees. Through interactive modules, workshops, and virtual simulations, interns gain practical skills and insights into areas such as investment banking, wealth management, risk management, compliance, and technology.
Forage Group
Forage job simulations, also known as Forage virtual internships or virtual work experiences, are interactive online programs designed to simulate real-world job tasks and scenarios in various industries and professions.
These simulations are created by Forage, a platform that partners with leading companies to offer virtual experiential learning opportunities to students and professionals, and there are loads of different options for people to explore different industries as a result.
The Forage platform is great for working with companies across a variety of industries, including finance, consulting, technology, marketing, and more. Each simulation is structured to guide participants through a series of tasks and activities, such as data analysis, problem-solving, case studies, and client interactions, while also providing resources and support.
Forage Group’s internships do not provide an opportunity to earn money, they are simply a way for people to build their skills.
How to Find Virtual Internships
How do you find virtual internships beyond those that are simply free upskilling platforms? If you want to earn money on a virtual internship then you’ll need to find opportunities with companies directly.
- Explore online job boards and websites dedicated to advertising jobs (including internships and graduate internships) such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and Prospects. Use search filters to narrow down your options to virtual or remote internships and browse through available opportunities in your field of interest.
- If you are a student, check with your school, college, or university's career services or placement office for information on virtual internship opportunities. Many educational establishments have partnerships with employers and organisations that offer virtual internships to students, and they may provide guidance and support in finding suitable placements.
- Visit the websites of companies and organisations you are interested in interning for and check their careers or internship pages for virtual internship opportunities. Some companies may advertise remote internships or provide contact information for submitting applications for the next time they recruit.
- You may need to be on networking platforms such as LinkedIn to search for virtual internship opportunities and connect with recruiters, hiring managers, and professionals in your industry. Join relevant groups and communities to stay updated on internship openings and networking events.
In addition to traditional job boards, leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn to expand your search for virtual internships. Update your profile to highlight relevant skills and experiences, and actively engage with industry groups and professionals to stay informed about remote internship opportunities in your field of interest.
Preparing For Interviews With Superprof
Superprof gives you the chance to work with a number of different tutors to prepare for interviews and run through practices and simulations of internship interview scenarios. At Superprof, we can also connect you with tutors who can help you to work on your CV if you are looking to brush up your CV and stand out from the crowd. Reach out to a tutor in your area today for either in-person or online tuition.
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