The impact of the pandemic on the education industry has been immense. Schools, colleges, and universities across the globe closed their doors and switched to virtual teaching. Even as the vaccine is here and the virus is likely to be under control this year, institutions, particularly international universities, will probably follow the hybrid model till things get back to normal.
Apart from online teaching, virtual internships are also a part of the new normal for students and organisations. While it offers an opportunity for students to gain work experience remotely with an employer, it is still a novel concept for many. It makes sense to know all about virtual internships before you take the plunge. Here are the key facts you need to know.
FACT #1: YOU GET TO WORK FROM ANYWHERE
Like online education, virtual internships also remove the physical and geographical barriers that prevent students from taking up the opportunity they aspire for. While you can work from anywhere, the best part is that you can access a career option that wouldn’t be available from your current location. The concept is of great value to the aspiring international students and professionals looking to study or move abroad but struggling with their plans due to the COVID crisis.
FACT #2: YOU GAIN REAL EXPERIENCE WITH REAL BUSINESSES
As a virtual intern, you gain real experience with real businesses, working with full-time employees on real projects. If you are lucky enough to find the right programme, you get the benefits of educational, impactful, well-structured, and relevant experience that serve great value to your career ahead. You will learn how organisations work, as programmes typically include induction training, managerial check-ins, team meetings, access to key workshops, and constructive feedback. You may even get a dedicated mentor to support you and help you gain experience.
FACT #3: YOU MAY EVEN GET PAID
Even as you work as an intern, you expect to be compensated. With the virtual model, it boils down to the company. Larger ones do pay virtual interns, but startups and NGOs may not be able to compensate considering their shoestring budgets. But the opportunity can still be good enough because you save up on costs like rent and commuting. It is even more beneficial if you are an international student looking to get exposure and experience with an organisation in the country of your choice.
FACT #4: YOU NEED THE RIGHT TOOLS TO GET STARTED
While you can save a lot by taking up a virtual internship, there is still investment you will need to make upfront. Essentially, you will require remote working tools like a computer with stable Wi-Fi. The employer may also provide the tools they offer to their full-time employees.
FACT #5: VIRTUAL INTERNSHIP IS MORE COMMON IN SOME INDUSTRIES
The pandemic has made almost all businesses comfortable with the concept of remote working, which augurs well for students looking to pursue virtual internships. Although it was a norm in IT and digital marketing domains earlier, the concept is now popular in segments like banking, engineering, law, fashion, and even healthcare. Amazon, Bloomberg, Macquarie Group, IBM, Lloyd’s, Schroders and Sky, and Marsh & McLennan are some reputed names that offer the opportunity to deserving candidates.
FACT #6: YOU ARE AS VALUED AS IN-PERSON INTERNS
For budding professionals whose career aspirations are stalled due to the pandemic, you can have your hopes pinned on virtual internships. Employers will consider you well-prepared for the future of work because remote is going to be the norm in the post-pandemic world. Being a virtual intern gives you a winning advantage, and you can expect to be valued a tad more than your in-person counterparts.
FACT #7: IT IS COMPLETELY WORTHWHILE
Although there are many benefits of virtual internships, students may still be apprehensive about missing out on the physical experience of a job. However, the bottom line is that choice is completely worthwhile. You have access to a flexible and self-paced programme that you can follow from any part of the world. Further, these are often for short durations, so you can find one that keeps you active while your study abroad plans are on hold and jump off quickly when you need to move.
The best thing about virtual internships is that you can add them to your CV and increase your income and employment potential in the future. So look for one that works for you and hop on right away!
If you are considering giving virtual internship a try why don’t you look for the latest opportunities in Lurnable’s graduate internship placement division here at LurnGrads?
