Due to the global shift towards a remote workforce, students and professionals in every corner of the globe are considering virtual internship placements. For many, these remote experiences are a new phenomenon. You might even wonder, “Are virtual internships worth it?”
While remote placements won’t be identical to traditional in-person placements, that doesn’t lessen their value. Remote interns won’t have formal office experience, but will still develop valuable connections and skills. Perhaps the top difference is the importance of self-motivation. As a remote intern, you’ll work closely with managers and teammates. However, your self-direction and time management skills will be crucial to your success.
There are many reasons to pursue virtual professional experience, particularly if you’re hoping to enhance your CV before graduation or are looking to make a career change. Not only will a remote internship ensure you have the experience necessary to pursue your career goals, but it will also set you apart from the crowd as someone with crucial remote skills in an expanding, global workforce.
If you hadn’t heard about virtual internships before Covid-19, you’ve definitely heard about them now. Many companies and industries transitioned their internships, fellowships, and training programs to be completely remote, allowing you to work from home, or wherever you are in the world, regardless of where the company is based. This means you can be working for a company in Bangkok whilst at home in New York.
As a remote intern, you can apply for placements with companies based in a different city, country, or continent. The flexibility of these placements means you might even be able to take on a part-time position while you’re in school, or working an existing job. In short, a remote internship makes professional success accessible to anyone with a laptop and self-motivation.
Virtual interns collaborate closely with their supervisors and teammates and take part in virtual social meetups and networking events. Remote placements are just as valuable as traditional internships, and thanks to today’s technology, you’ll barely know you’re not face-to-face.
Whether you’re a student hoping to supplement your studies with professional experience or a professional hoping to gain entry into a new industry, there’s nothing more important than relevant experience. A virtual internship provides real-time insight into the inner workings of an organization and industry. That experience is essential for success in a full-time role, whether remote or in an office. The real-time nature of virtual internships is also preferable to self-directed courses or freelance work. This is because interns have the benefit of immediate feedback from experts in their fields.
One of the top benefits of an internship, whether remote or in-office, is the valuable professional network you develop. A strong network is one of the most important tools you’ll have when applying for a full-time job. From referrals and references to mentorship and advice, the connections you build during an internship are essential to future professional success. Remote interns collaborate closely with direct managers as well as cross-functional teams. They also have the opportunity to demonstrate their interests and skills to build relationships with experts.
The remote nature of a virtual internship doesn’t change the fact that it’s an excellent opportunity to build your professional network. Many companies have developed impressive remote networking events and programming for online interns. Make sure to ask about this in the interview process, as it is key.
It’s true that networking virtually takes a bit of extra effort on your part. After all, you won’t run into the CEO in an elevator, and you won’t meet a design specialist at the coffee machine. However, it’s not difficult to recreate these meetings remotely. Invite one person a week to a short virtual coffee chat or lunch meeting, and do informational interviews to learn about their career trajectory and best advice.
Working remotely doesn’t always come easy to everyone. Successful remote workers have to be extremely self-directed, have excellent time management skills, and be top communicators on all platforms. Virtual internships allow you to develop the skills and habits necessary for remote work while guided by mentors and teammates. If you choose to apply for a coveted remote job in the future, whether at home or abroad, you’ll be well prepared and qualified!
One of the most obvious differences between in-office internships and remote placements is the prevalence of technology. Virtual internships rely heavily on today’s top technologies, including remote teamwork and organization software, as well as online meeting platforms. Digital fluency is essential for success in today’s workforce, regardless of your chosen industry. The experience of interning remotely ensures your familiarity with popular technologies, and your ability to learn new digital skills quickly. Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams are just a few of the platforms that teams use to keep in close touch, and all will help you to work closely and collaboratively with your colleagues too.
If you’re still wondering “Are virtual internships worth it?” consider the flexibility of a remote placement. Many virtual internships offer placements with companies and teams in other parts of the world, allowing interns to develop international experience in their field. Part-time internships and flexible schedules mean that regardless of where you are in the world, you can intern with a top firm on the other side of the globe, from London to Hong Kong and everywhere in between.
Just because you aren’t sitting next to someone doesn’t mean you won’t learn new skills. Remote interns take part in essential training and workshops and learn directly from experts in their field. Remote interns frequently have more autonomy when applying their skills in a professional setting. As a remote intern, you’ll decide your own direction and have creative authority. Of course, support and advice are only ever a phone call or DM away too.