Not sure if you need a virtual internship? We will tell you how virtual internship programs can help you develop vital skills for success in the workplace.

An internship can give you several skills you need to succeed in the workplace that you often can’t get while studying at university.

Internships can help you understand workplace culture, develop communication skills, time management, problem-solving, and expand your language skills.

It is important to note that internships also allow students to interact with people from relevant professional circles, which can potentially lead to additional jobs and career opportunities.

During the pandemic, the nature of internships changed dramatically – along with work and society as a whole. Many internships and internships are now offered remotely.

According to Forbes, 36% of employers in the United States provided a virtual internship in the summer of 2020. Now, when more and more companies prefer to switch to the remote work model or continue to use it, it seems that virtual internships are not going anywhere.

So, how do you approach the search for a virtual internship and what are its advantages?

Searching for Remote Internship Programs

In the past, completing a “traditional” internship often required a personal connection with someone in the industry you wanted to join. Fortunately, it is much easier to find remote internship programs online. The notion of “it’s not about what you know, but who you know” is no longer the only path to your dream career.

While the old ways of connecting to career development services, company research, and alumni connections still exist, students can also search the internet and connect via social networks such as LinkedIn. We recommend starting the search with a few keywords, such as “virtual internship” or “remote internship,” and then specify the industry that interests you.

Digital Literacy

Workforce transformation requires a new set of skills and tools to complete tasks successfully. Tasks will be performed using online platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Slack, to name just a few.

Many students are already used to these platforms. However, during the virtual internship, you will learn how to use these online platforms in a professional environment and acquire the technical and social skills necessary for a modern workplace.

Since remote work and training are expected to continue, fluency in digital tools and programs will significantly simplify your life and help you perform tasks efficiently and effectively.

Time Management

An important skill for any workplace (and in life in general) is time management. During the virtual internship, you will be personally responsible for keeping track of your time and schedule, as well as for meeting important deadlines.

Global Opportunities

Completing a virtual internship can open doors for you to get opportunities that were simply not available before. This mainly applies to international students, as it means that the costs of distance and relocation are no longer a problem or a determining factor.

Now you can choose and find an internship in the industry or company of your dreams, regardless of location or time zone. In addition, one of the most obvious advantages of a virtual internship is that it saves time and money on the associated costs associated with traveling to the workplace, which also reduces the harm caused to the environment.

Adaptability

Passing a virtual internship will show future employers that you show initiative, perseverance and resourcefulness. The Virtual Internship Resource reports that about 28 percent of their interns received an offer to extend their internship; they were transferred to part-time or hired full-time at the end of the program.

Most significantly, it can motivate you to learn more about yourself, about which projects you like and which you would prefer to avoid in the future. A virtual internship lets you find out which companies you feel most comfortable in, whether it’s a small startup or a large corporation.

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