A recent study analysing over 30 million job posts found 85% of businesses in 2022 offered hybrid or fully remote options. In 2019, it was only about 50%. The COVID-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented opportunity for companies to adopt remote work practices. Are virtual internships the next wave of this brave new world?
The idea of virtual internships has been getting coverage in the headlines. Internships started in recent centuries as a new, professional (instead of trades-based) take on age-old apprenticeships. Fundamental to the concept of internships was the mutual benefit for the employer and the student.
The landscape for both post-secondary studies and careers has changed radically since those early days of internships. Today there are virtual, onsite, hybrid, and even micro-internships with a promise of flexibility like never before, at least in theory.
How do virtual internships work?
As an intern, you can work from the comfort of your home or anywhere else you choose. All you need is a computer and of course, the internet. You have the flexibility to work during your preferred time – whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is being self-disciplined and being able to meet deadlines.
In the absence of specific work hours, you need to plan your work schedule well in advance and adhere to it. Effective time management is the key to a successful virtual internship.
You should never hesitate communicating with mentors or supervisors whether you’re looking for guidance, advice or feedback. You should regularly keep them posted. You can choose the mode of communication that works best for you – email, phone call, video call or an online meeting platform.
If you’re interning for an international company, in most cases, you can do so without the need for a work permit or visa since you’re working online and your work doesn’t require you to be physically present or work in the country.
There are a number of variables to consider for your ideal virtual internship. You may find the ones offering full or part-time work; academic credits; open to undergraduate, graduate (MBA, PhD…) or both; and with or without a stipend.
There are no clear standards or even recognisable trends, as each placement advertised has individual terms and conditions. There is also another set of possibilities, and a growing industry, where intermediary organisations arrange what are called overseas internships (but may also be considered paid volunteering opportunities?) and students pay thousands of dollars for the opportunity.
Students may also look out for micro internships. These are paid assignments which may be project-based. The duration may span from a few days to a couple of weeks. This short-term gig could be a good learning experience and help you explore various areas of interest.
Read more: Is pre-MBA internship a good idea?
How MBA internships work
Benefits of virtual internship
With a virtual internship, you can make the most of your time without worrying about commuting to an office or committing to specific hours all the time. There’s also no need for costly flights or accommodation arrangement. Virtual internships provide plenty of flexibility and convenience.
They still, ideally, provide many of the benefits of a location-based internship. That includes giving an idea of what the work entails, the company culture, and general practices. If you’re working with an international team, this cross-cultural interaction can be an enriching experience.
It’s also an opportunity to exceed expectations and not only get recommendations, but possible job offers or referrals. Of course, that line in the resume highlighting specific experience would be a valuable addition.
Challenges of virtual internship
As discussed above, finding a virtual internship that meets your criteria may not be easy, especially if you were hoping for an option outside the country where you reside. There are also limitations of the screen in a virtual placement.
Whether it’s stopping in the hall for a quick chat, catching up at one of the favourite lunch spots, or missing out on staff social events – these are all prime–missed–chances to interact and build relationships in less formal settings.
Finally, exploitative labour practices have been recognised as part of the internship experience for decades. In her article on Harvard Business Review, Rakshitha Ravishankar calls for the end to unpaid internships which in her opinion is exploitative, unethical and unfair. She also points out that according to research, students who did unpaid internships got as many job offers as students who didn’t do an internship.
You may be interested in: Unpaid internships can harm career prospects of international students
How to convert summer internships into fulltime jobs
Does location matter to companies offering virtual internships?
Location matters in your search for the perfect study/work option. Are you seeking a virtual internship in the same country where you are studying – where you have a work visa or citizenship? Then, the number of internship options open to you may be significantly higher. That includes on-site, hybrid, and virtual options.
In 2020, virtual internships were a growing trend in the UK and the US. Programs were created in an effort to compensate for educational losses due to COVID and associated isolation policies. While there was some buzz about the flexibility of virtual possibilities, those programs catered to students in their home country, or international students living and studying there.
Today, at first sight, it may appear there are plenty of virtual internships available on any major employment search or tech-company careers site. However, if you read the position descriptions carefully, you may find that some of the virtual or remote internship positions have location-based restrictions. For example, some US websites advertise virtual internships only open to candidates within the US, so you need to completely understand the eligibility criteria before you decide to apply.
How to find your virtual internship
– University careers services / job fairs
This would be your best starting point. Check out and use those established relationships. If there are any career advisors, ask for their advice. Career fairs are also a great option. There are various virtual job fairs that offer remote working opportunities. Location requirements may vary depending on the position they’re hiring for. There may be international opportunities available as well.
Think of anyone you know who works in the industry, company or position you would like to work in and check to see if they have any suggestions to explore further.
– Online presence
Create a stellar online presence to impress potential employers. With an optimized LinkedIn profile, consider showcasing your skills and experience with well-crafted posts. Your work over time can quickly give potential interviewers a comprehensive view of who you are and what type of work best suits you.
– Networking
Crafting the perfect career for yourself starts by taking control of your networking strategy. Refine your networking goals and habits, carving out time every week to develop more connections and build relationships. Explore potential companies and projects that sound intriguing. It’ll help you get more focused on what kind of position would make for an ideal fit for you. Don’t be afraid of dreaming a little bigger.
Explore your university alumni network and reach out to them for advice and tips. They might be able to help connect you to the right person or opportunity.
Also read: How to ask alumni for help with internship and jobs
How I got a Google internship and job after MBA
Finding a virtual internship that suits your requirements can be challenging, but with the right resources and strategies in place, you’ll find yourself one step closer to success.
Reach out to your university careers services and take advantage of career fairs. Actively reach out to professionals on LinkedIn profile and make networking a habit, online and in real life, to give yourself an edge over other candidates vying for the same positions.
While the emperor is not wearing as many clothes as the invitation promised, he’s still got something on. Use your best online search skills to find individual gems. And this may be a great opportunity to start building mutually beneficial links between your academic institution and your placement employer of choice.
Also read: How I got an investment banking internship on Wall Street
Amazon job offer after internship for Indian MBA student on a full scholarship
