Want to gain valuable experience, but can’t travel abroad for months? Consider doing a virtual internship! School can be hectic, so maybe going to an office every day wouldn’t work for you. Perhaps you aspire to work in a specific field, but the companies you’re interested in are located in a different city or state. No worries! Virtual internships can help. They’re essentially like regular internships, but instead of going to an office, you can complete them from home on your computer! This blog will explain everything about virtual internships and why they could be a great choice for you.
What Exactly is a Virtual Internship?
Gaining valuable experience in your field right from your own home? That’s a virtual internship! It allows you to work on real projects for a company, but from your home instead of going to an office. You will collaborate with skilled specialists virtually, develop crucial skills, and contribute to a good cause while setting your own timeline.
Flex on the Flexibility
Conversely, the best thing about a virtual internship is that it fits around your schedule, not the other way around. No more waking up super early to commute for hours before a meeting. With a virtual internship, you set your schedule, working during the hours that energize you most. Early bird? Knock out those tasks before the sun rises. Night owl? Power through projects when the world is quiet. This flexibility makes things a lot easier, especially for students who need to balance their academic workload with getting experience in the real world.
Gain Experience from Anywhere in the World
Forget about the limitations of geography! Virtual internships are like doing an internship for a company online instead of going to their office. The cool thing is that you can intern with almost any organization you’re interested in, anywhere in the world. You could get a chance to intern at a sea turtle conservation project in Costa Rica or educational projects in India, all without leaving your hometown. Pretty cool, right?
Level Up Your Remote Work Skills
Starting something new can be tough, virtual internships are no exception. But guess what? Virtual internships are a fantastic way to learn the skills needed to thrive in the remote work environments of today. You’ll master communication tools like video conferencing and project management platforms. Learning to collaborate with your teammates, even from a distance, is a skill you’ll need in almost every workplace in the future. Virtual internship will also help you practice the self-discipline and time-management skills needed to stay focused and productive in a non-conventional work environment.
Develop In-demand Skills
A virtual internship is a chance to acquire skills in various spheres and gain essential experience. During your virtual internship, you can be doing things like social media campaigns, building websites, managing projects, or even helping out with fundraising. The skills you learn here will be invaluable for your future career.
Test Drive Your Dream Career
A virtual internship is like test-driving your dream job! It’s a good opportunity to get an impression of what a company does every day, especially the role you’re interested in. You could try marketing for a social enterprise or coding websites for a new tech company. Both options offer the flexibility to work from home and avoid a traditional 40-hour workweek.These internships can also help you determine whether or not you are really passionate for a certain field or perhaps give you a glimpse of parts of the job that you may not enjoy. You always learn something new, no matter what happens. After all, the more you know, the better decisions you can make about your career.
Make a Positive Impact While You Learn
Most virtual internships that United Planet offers are associated with social and sustainable projects and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Thus, while you are getting practical experience and strengthening your professional skills, you are helping a specific cause and making the world a better place. Talk about a win-win!
Be more Eco-Conscious
Virtual internships are environmentally friendly. There is no need to calculate the expenses on transportation or buying new clothes for work (or at least until video calls become your new catwalk – go for it!). Besides, you will also be saving yourself from the carbon footprints that result from the daily journey to work. Little things go a long way; that is why virtual internships are perfect for the environment.
Network with Professionals from Around the World
Instead of being stuck in one place, a virtual internship lets you connect with professionals all over the world! As a virtual intern, you’ll get to team up with these experts, like mentors and supervisors, and even other interns from totally different backgrounds. This is a wonderful opportunity to grow your network. You’ll meet new people, learn from their experiences, and maybe even score awesome opportunities down the line.
Why Do a Virtual Internship with United Planet
At United Planet, we’re passionate about connecting amazing individuals like you with exceptional virtual internships and volunteering opportunities worldwide! Our virtual internship program offers you the chance to work on projects aligned with your interests, all from the safety and comfort of your own home. Whether you choose Global Health, Environmental Sustainability, Children’s Education, or Community Development, there’s a project waiting for you. Our programs cater to learners of all levels, including high school, college, master’s, and postgraduate students, as well as professionals. This makes it a fantastic opportunity for anyone, regardless of age, to gain knowledge and practical experience.
Don’t just take our word for it–here’s what past United Planet interns have to say:
“My virtual internship with United Planet was an incredible experience. I had the opportunity to work on a project that I was passionate about, and I learned so much from my experienced supervisor. The flexibility of the program allowed me to fit it into my busy school schedule, and I made some amazing connections along the way. I would highly recommend a virtual internship with United Planet to anyone looking to gain valuable experience and make a difference.”
– Sarah J., Marketing Intern
“I am grateful for the wonderful experience I had while working as a virtual intern. I learned about the Mali culture and current situation by reading up on the internet about current events and the history of the country and the culture. I succeeded in giving the organization an internet presence (on Facebook and Instagram), so they could share their fundraising link. I am interested in women’s issues and plan to study marketing. This internship allowed me to help an organization that aims to help women and children and I was able to gain marketing skills by making pages for the organization on social media and sharing the fundraising link.”
– Bridget G. Virtual Intern, Mali
“I had an excellent experience with my United Planet virtual internship. I worked with a nonprofit organization from Mexico, creating an educational social media campaign about the importance of international volunteering. Through my experience, I learned a lot about international volunteering, intercultural communication, and peace.”
– Haley M., Virtual Intern, Mexico
Ready to take the next step in your career from the comfort of your home? A virtual internship with United Planet could be your perfect match! Explore projects aligned with your passions, gain real-world experience, and make a positive impact on global communities. Check out our virtual internship programs today, and join the growing network of global citizen leaders making a difference virtually!
Watch this video to hear firsthand how a virtual internship can transform your future:
ABOUT UNITED PLANET
United Planet is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. Established in 2001, United Planet offers volunteer abroad, virtual internships, internships abroad, gap year volunteering, and global virtual exchange in more than 40 countries.
