The covid-19 pandemic has changed the educational system and work system all over the world. The year 2020 has changed the way students, employers and educators interact with the world around them. So, in this newly established system, we are socializing in a virtual model.
What is a virtual internship?
The word ‘intern’ means a college student taking notes during a meeting or planning events. So, internships are the works offered to the students for their experience and some financial help. But the pandemic has given birth to a new system called virtual internship. Virtual internships mean complete work from home, connecting to the supervisors and employers via email, video call, and other technologies. In this way, students can strengthen their career-focused skills and build a network across the world. During a virtual internship, students can gain training and skills in different areas like the IT sector, content writing, teaching, marketing etc. they learn to take responsibilities and get the chance to work with professionals and help to build self-confidence.
Why are virtual internships important?
Virtual internships help the students to explore career options in different areas of interest. They get the opportunity to expand their network professionally. Graduates who complete internships have higher chances of securing a job at the end of the program. There are both paid and unpaid internships available for the students. So, there are many benefits of doing a virtual internship. Let us discuss them in detail.
Benefits:
1. Access to a global network
In this global pandemic, professional networking has evolved in an all-new form. Meetings, seminars and conferences are going in online mode and are much better than the offline mode. And these virtual rooms have given access to a large number of participants all over the world. Therefore, it helps them to get global communication more efficiently.
2. Improved balance between personal life and work-life
Before this global pandemic, work-life was very stressful and hectic, which was affecting their personal life. Students have to travel here and there for internships after their college and, they hardly get enough time to study. These were affecting the career of the students. But due to the new beginning of virtual internships, everything has become easier for them. Students can work from their home along with a proper way of learning. It has reduced their stress and improved the balance between their work life and personal life.
3. Economic Independence
A considerable expectation of the remote students is independence and autonomy. Some students belong to an economically poor background. The stipend they get from these virtual internships will make them independent and, they will be able to help their family too. During college life, we all need independence. By doing these internships, they can get professional skills along with satisfactory stipends.
4. New skills for the resume
This new way of the internship has helped the students to gain much digital literacy. Virtual internships will help the students to gain new professional skills and experience. Students doing virtual internships have higher chances to secure a job. They can put their new skills gained from virtual internships in the resume to make it more impressive.
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5. Flexibility of time
There will be no rush every morning. You can do your work peacefully. It will help reduce stress and, you will get plenty of time for a workout and breakfast. You can maintain a healthy daily schedule and work accordingly. You can also spend quality time with friends and family and then study for exams.
6. New ways of networking
You will get to learn new ways of networking and socializing. You can join an internship abroad sitting in your home. You get access to the global network sitting at your home. You can connect with anyone in the world. This way of socialization and communication helps you to build a successful career.
7. Cost-effective
Earlier, a lot of money gets wasted in arranging trips, meetings, and conferences. Now, the meetings and discussions are held online mode or virtually, which is free of cost. Interns can collaborate on an international level for no cost. So, virtual internships save both money and time.
There are more benefits of virtual internships and, these are the chief benefits that one should know. Virtual work experience will teach you about these benefits and help you to succeed under any condition.
By – Sanchayita Chattopadhyay
