Throughout the Covid pandemic in 2020, companies have been forced to accept that their employees need to work remotely—and they have quickly adjusted to this new situation. As a result, virtual internship opportunities have exploded and experience in remote work is now highly valued by employees. When all is said and done, we can expect the typical workplace to look a whole lot differently than it did pre-Covid.
You’ve already heard about the value and benefits of international remote internships—but the question you’re pondering now is how to find remote internships. Good news! It’s not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, it can be a whole lot easier than finding on-site internships.
How can you make the most of this situation?
An online internship is an excellent way to make the most of this new reality whilst helping you develop highly sought-after skills. You can work for a company near you or, better yet, a company abroad without the costs associated with moving away from home.
Adding experience in a multicultural team to your CV through international remote internships will help you stand out from your peers.
Plus, being able to demonstrate that you have proven experience working remotely, and being able to manage your time and juggle your tasks without micromanagement, will open the door to more opportunities within your industry of choice.
You will also learn about the ways that companies communicate internally, and the technology they use to efficiently work remotely and in different time zones.
Add to this the fact that you will also benefit from the typical opportunities of a traditional internship, completing a virtual internship is a fantastic way to make the most of any free time you have between studies and other commitments.
Now you’re really wondering how to find remote internships, right? Don’t worry, we have the scoop!
5 steps for finding internships online
1. Decide what field you want to intern in
Business? Web development? Marketing?
It’s important to think about what really motivates you professionally and to think about what your next steps will be after you complete your remote internship.
For example, if you’re studying marketing and feel passionately about the industry then you can gain relevant work experience during a marketing internship.
However, if you are studying English, history, or another degree without a set career path, then now is the perfect time to gain work experience in the industry that motivates you.
Research companies that impress you. What industries are they in? Are your skills transferable to those industries? If not, what do you need to learn? What skills do you need to practice?
If you are not sure about the field you want to pursue in online internships for college students, then your internship provider will be able to discuss your options with you and help you make the best decision.
READ MORE: 10 Best Fields for Remote Internships
2. Research internship providers
So how do you research internship providers and decide which one is right for you? Every provider will offer different packages, but you will notice that their basic offering appears to be similar.
When finding internships online, research and read provider websites carefully and look into the companies they partner with, as well as any other inclusions they offer in their program. For example, some international remote internships are offering a flexible option to travel abroad later!
Think about why you need an internship provider and make sure that the one you choose meets your needs. Most students look for internship providers because they have struggled to find a quality internship by themselves. Internship providers should be able to guarantee the quality of an internship through their partner companies because they have so much experience in the field.
Perhaps you are looking for more than just an internship? Some providers focus on your individual learning curve and personal growth. For example, Intern Leaders can provide you an international virtual internship, but they also include one-on-one coaching and professional development sessions throughout their program in order to guarantee you professional and personal growth.
3. Compare online internship programs
Here’s where pro and con lists come into play!
In order to fully understand your options, you can open a blank spreadsheet and begin to compare and write down the differences between internship providers with regards to what they offer, their online reviews (good and bad), and their program fees.
It’s also a good idea to look at their social media accounts, such as their Instagram feeds, because it will give you a good idea about who they are and how exactly they can help you.
Prepare questions before you speak to advisors or hiring managers, and be ready to answer their questions. The best internship providers will delve into your studies and experience in order to make sure they can add value to your professional profile.
RELATED: Compare Programs Side-by-Side with MyGoAbroad
4. Reach out to program alumni
A crucial step in finding internships online is reaching out to alumni. Get in touch with your chosen providers and ask if you can speak to past participants.
Ideally, you should be able to speak to someone who has a similar profile to you (field, level of study, etc.)—that way, you can make sure that the program will be beneficial to you too.
If it’s not possible to get in touch with alumni, then read reviews for online internships for college students, and watch video testimonials on Youtube. It will really help you understand what to expect.
5. Send an inquiry or apply!
If you still have questions, then begin to contact the providers that fill you with the most confidence, and set up a call to go over any remaining questions or concerns you have.
If you feel ready to get going, then you can apply immediately by booking in an admissions call with your preferred providers.
Remember that it might be a video call so dress smartly and prepare questions in advance to show them you are serious about completing a virtual internship.
RELATED: Get Matched with 5 Remote Internship Programs
3 online internships for college students
These online internships for college students will enhance your resume.
We’ve taken out even more of the work behind how to find remote internships—check out four of the best providers below! They’re ready to help you find your ideal remote experience.
1. Stay in. Go Global! C123 Virtual International Internships
Program highlights: Connect-123 offers you the chance to improve your resumé and job opportunities through completing their remote work program. You will have access to a dedicated program coordinator who will personally guide you through the process.
Once you join the program, you will also be invited to join a virtual orientation session, which will cover various aspects of your remote internship, including tips and advice about location culture.
2. AIFS Abroad Virtual Internships
Program highlights: If you join this program, you will be able to take part in group tutorials on teleworking and you will also be invited to a virtual welcome orientation. Throughout your program, as you complete your remote internship, you will receive virtual check-ins from the team. At the end of your internship, you will take part in a post-program debrief in order to assess everything you’ve learned.
3. Remote Internships with African Nonprofit Organisations
Program highlights: Roots Interns can provide you with a great alternative to traveling to Africa via their virtual internship program. Their programs can offer you a great deal of flexibility, and you will also save money by not having to factor the costs of travel and accommodation into your budget.
You will be able to develop skills related to working remotely and you will still improve your CV in the same way you would with a usual in-person internship. Furthermore, you will still be contributing to important causes as your work will assist one of their partners that work on a grassroots level in Africa.
International remote internships are waiting for you!
Learning how to find remote internships is as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Although the thought of a virtual internship might seem unusual at first, the benefits of completing one greatly outweigh any downsides. It requires less time investment given that you can work from wherever you are—so it can fit neatly into your schedule.
Inevitably, you will learn more about your company, industry, and about yourself as a professional. There will be ups and downs and you might sometimes feel frustrated, but you will build resilience and be prepared for this new professional environment. Now go find the right online internship for you!
Browse ALL International Remote Internships on GoAbroad.com
This article was written with help from Intern Leaders. Intern Leaders are business experts with years of experience in recruitment and professional training. They provide 100% customizable virtual internships. With a strong focus on individual development, and thanks to their global network, they are able to offer more courses and work experience than any other internship provider. Their team is passionate about making virtual internships accessible and they work with companies that recognize the importance of, and will help you develop, valuable remote working skills.
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