When it comes to the postgrad job search, nothing beats having relevant work experience on your résumé. As a student, what better way to gain experience than to land an internship? But with your busy schedule, it can be hard to find time for an in-person opportunity. That’s where remote internships come in. Remote internship programs offer students real-life work experience in jobs related to their chosen fields but in a more convenient online format.
Key benefits of remote internships
Remote internships offer students valuable opportunities to gain experience while balancing academic commitments. Most virtual positions provide flexible work schedules depending on what works best for the intern, making it ideal and accessible for students who are loaded with classes and other academic endeavors. Remote internships also help students save money on commuting and other related expenses.
Through an online internship, you will learn how to work virtually and leverage technology effectively to grow as a professional and thrive in your career. Some companies even go further by planning virtual team-building activities, organizing workshops, or sending promotional products or welcome gifts to interns, helping build a positive and motivating work environment.
Top remote internships to consider
There are many remote internships offered worldwide. You can find online opportunities at big and small companies, but here are some of the most popular internship programs from globally renowned companies and organizations.
- Google offers virtual internship programs in business, engineering, technology, and more.
- Microsoft has internship programs for commercial, engineering, and operations.
- Deloitte internship programs provide learning and development, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities.
- The PwC Virtual Case Experience is an interactive opportunity that provides work experience through a case study.
- The UNICEF Internship Programme provides work opportunities for students and recent graduates from diverse educational backgrounds.
Related: 10 Tips for Landing an Awesome College Internship
How to use technology for remote internships
Companies and organizations offering remote work and internship programs rely heavily on technology, meaning online tools and platforms have become indispensable in the workplace. They help improve work efficiency, productivity, accuracy, quality, and customer satisfaction.
As a student intern, it’s crucial to learn as much as you can. Leveraging these digital tools and technologies is key to a successful virtual internship as they make your virtual work plausible and help you gain enough work experience and career preparation.
Communication and collaboration
Getting the right tech setup can make a big difference in staying productive and connected during a virtual internship. Volodymyr Shchegel, VP of Engineering at MacKeeper, advises students to get familiar with utilizing cloud-based tools or platforms for team collaboration. “This significantly helps with remote work setup for solid employee interactions,” he says. Students can also utilize online communication channels for internships with platforms like Slack, Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet.
Performance monitoring
Performance tracking is a critical part of any business operation. Companies set key performance indicators (KPIs), track employee progress, and measure performance against the established metrics. This also applies to student interns looking to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Rodger Desai, CEO of Prove, recommends using project management software for remote work. His company uses its fair share of online platforms for managing tasks and monitoring performance. However, he suggests that student interns “harness the power of this technology to track their own performance while working remotely.” For example, interns can use tools like Notion or Trello to create personal dashboards, log tasks, set goals, and track progress on projects. “Digital tools and platforms can help you become more efficient and productive,” he says.
Related: Experiential Learning: The Key to Great Post-College Jobs
Virtual check-ins
Albert Kim, VP of Talent at Checkr, underscores the importance of regular work check-ins during remote internships. “They are all the more necessary for employees and even interns working in a remote location,” he says. “Using online communication channels aids in establishing regular coaching sessions with workers who are working remotely.”
Audio interactions and video conferencing through platforms like Slack, Skype, and Zoom are ideal for one-on-one coaching sessions. As a remote student intern, you should get comfortable using these tools for online check-ins, as they play a crucial role in many professional work environments after graduation.
Time management
Time management is essential for everyone to learn. For remote work especially, employees need to learn how to draw the line between their personal and professional lives. The same idea holds true for student interns who also juggle academic endeavors—from exams and assignments to internships and extracurricular activities. Most companies and organizations use project management software like Asana, Trello, Airtable, Notion, Wrike, and Zoho Projects. These tools can help students with task management as well.
Jesse Hanson, Content Manager at Online Solitaire and World of Card Games, is a fan of time-tracking tools. When pursuing a project for online game development, he leverages such tools to ensure a successful project. “You should not only practice time management strategies like the Eisenhower Matrix, time blocking, and Pomodoro Technique,” Hanson says. “You should also employ tools and technologies to help you accomplish tasks on time.”
Related: 8 Important Tips to Excel at a Remote Summer Internship
Skills development
The goal of any student internship is to acquire the necessary skills to succeed in your career after graduating from college. Jonathan Feniak, General Counsel at LLC Attorney, says interns “shouldn’t only learn the legalities involved in your chosen niche. Developing soft skills such as communication, interpersonal relationships, and leadership is needed to thrive in the workplace.”
About 70% of leaders claim a workforce skills gap in the workplace that negatively impacts their business performance. Student interns can leverage online learning to develop and acquire the right skill sets through platforms like Coursera, Udemy, edX, Skillshare, and LinkedIn Learning.
Professional networking
Internships also help students establish their professional networks. However, professional networking can be a challenge if you’re working remotely, so take advantage of online and social media communities to grow your network. According to Kathryn MacDonell, CEO at Trilby Misso Lawyers, “Not only does social media allow us to connect with our target clients but also real experts in the field. Even student interns can start building their professional networks on social media.”
Related: 4 Easy Networking Strategies for Online Students
Various internship programs can prepare you for the real world and the competitive world of employment. However, leveraging digital tools and platforms is key to a successful internship, whether it’s virtual or in person. It will help you gain work experience, get the right job, and ultimately thrive in the workplace.
Ready to prepare for a remote internship or postgrad job opportunity? Find more advice in our Internships and Careers section!
