Virtual Internships: All you need to know
In university, students are asked to take up an internship part of their curriculum. Doing an internship provides students with practical knowledge and understanding of how to work in an organization. But due to the pandemic, schools and work have gone online. Making it hard for students to find internships easily.
Recently, there has been a rise in demand and popularity of virtual internships. Basically, virtual internships from the name itself suggest, its an internship that can be done remotely. This allows students to get work experience without stepping out and achieve their goals.
Benefits of a Virtual Internship
1. Save time and money
Generally, internships require students to travel and work in-person. But through virtual internships, you can communicate and do your work through online communication platforms like skype, zoom, or Google meet. You also save time traveling to and fro the place of work.
2. Build a professional network
The main goal of an internship is to gain experience and build relations with your work mentors and connect with other professionals in the same industry you're working for. An advantage of doing an internship during your studies is that you are forming relations and rapport with the company ahead of time, so once you're done with your studies you’re chance of gaining full-time work is much easier.
3. Add value to your CV
Internships provide students with the essential skills required in the workplace. You will learn basic skills, tools, and techniques that are required to work permanently in the company. While searching for jobs in the future, make sure you choose the right internship that is related to your program of study and is valuable in your future career. Doing an internship in a prestigious company adds value to your CV and makes you a more desirable candidate for full-time positions in other companies.
4. Earn a completion certificate
Gaining internship experience helps you gain skills that are essential for employability and in return you gain an internship completion certificate. Earning a completion certificate at the end of the internship boosts your employability. At times, your mentor will also provide you with a recommendation letter which is an added bonus for the exceptional work contributed to the organization.
5. Flexible time schedule
A work from a home internship is generally more flexible and can be done from anywhere. Make sure you have good internet connectivity and are able to connect with your mentors, and place of internship. The most common duration of an internship is around 3-4 months depending on the student’s need and the company’s internship policies.
6. Stipend/ Paid virtual internship
Internships abroad have the policy to pay their interns for the duration of their internship. The stipend a way to motivate interns and it paid based on an hourly basis. When applying for an internship, check the perks and advantages of learning if the company offers a stipend.
How To Apply
You have several websites to find the virtual internship suitable and based on your interest and subject expertise. One can also check the company websites if they are looking for internship opportunities at that particular place. Otherwise, university career services help students to find appropriate internships.
Once you have found the internship, make sure you are applicable, and meet the prerequisite requirements.
The next step is to fill the application form online- this includes the personal information, education background, and submitting your CV and cover letter.
Finally, check your form and make sure you have filled in the required details.
If you have been chosen, you will get an interview invitation. Generally, companies have 2-3 rounds of interviews and assessments. Before deciding, the final selection of students.
Within 5-6 weeks, you will get your internship offer letter.
To Summarise...
Don't stop your journey to success because of the pandemic. Take this time and make full use of it and gain as much experience as possible through virtual interviews.
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