Also referred to as online, remote or e-experience, virtual work experience gives students and graduates the opportunity to complete from home, in most cases using nothing but a laptop. Online work experience is open to all and for the majority of opportunities all you need to get involved is access to a computer and a stable internet connection.
Virtual internships share many similarities with traditional, in-person internships but their online nature allows participants to work with organisations across the country, even the globe. They’re particularly relevant in these unprecedented times, as they enable students and graduates to gain invaluable work experience and boost their CV in spite of coronavirus restrictions.
Employers are aware that the coronavirus pandemic is robbing students and graduates of the chance to gain face-to-face, real-world work experience and they’re working hard to ensure that their virtual opportunities are meaningful and useful for those who take part.
As part of our free resources we have developed a virtual work experience guide for organisers, employers and students this can be found here.
On the whole online work experience involves:
- regular online meetings with your supervisor or mentor
- Individual project work where you’ll focus on one larger project instead of helping with lots of small jobs (as you probably would if you were in an office environment)
- video tutorials and virtual tours
- virtual networking sessions and online chats with various members of the organisation to give you an insight into what different colleagues do
- training opportunities generally provided via an e-learning platform
- online socialising events such as team drinks, coffee breaks and quizzes.
We would recommend a 2 week VEX placement. This will provide the student with a good insight into the business and the different roles available.
If you are a garage or manufacturer that is happy to engage in virtual work experience then please do let the careers team know careers@theimi.org.uk