Remote internships started to become extremely popular during the Covid-19 pandemic, and are definitely here to stay! If you’ve never done a virtual placement before, you might be wondering “are remote internships legit?” "Are virtual internships good for my career?" There are a few reasons virtual internships in particular are great opportunities. Here are the top three reasons a virtual internship will boost your career:
• Develop time management skills
One of the main differences between a virtual internship and a more traditional placement is the amount of independent direction required. As a remote intern, you’ll quickly learn to manage your own time efficiently, prioritize your work, and problem solve. You won’t have a manager or supervisor looking over your shoulder, and depending on the placement, you might be working in different time zones from your team. These skills are incredibly valuable to employers in every industry, even for in-office roles, and can set you apart from a crowd of applicants for a full-time role in the future.
• Access to global companies
Perhaps the most amazing thing about the rise of virtual internships is the access they provide to international companies and professionals. For many people, interning with a company outside of their home country wouldn’t have been possible if it required to travel, visas, and more. But remote placements offer increased access to international experience. A remote internship is an excellent way to get to know the business culture of another country, practice your foreign language skills in a professional setting, and build international contacts, all without leaving your home.
• Experience the digital nomad life
Last but certainly not least, remote internships are excellent for your career if you think you might be interested in the global nomad lifestyle. The flexibility to travel the world while making money in your career used to be extremely rare but highly sought after. Today, the digital nomad life is much more common, but for obvious reasons is just as popular. And with a virtual internship, you no longer have to be a travel blogger or an independent contractor to make this life a reality. Interns with remote placements can conduct them from just about anywhere in the world with a stable internet connection, meaning you can get a start on your travel goals early!
How to avoid internship scams
Now that you know about the benefits of virtual internships, let’s dig into virtual internship scams and how to avoid them. There are several key elements to look for that can help you determine whether an internship is legit.
Keep in mind that there are several types of scams you might run into. Even if an organization really does have a position available, some companies are just looking for free labor. You don’t want to waste your time making copies or stuffing envelopes, or even just sending out mass emails.
Start by reading the internship posting very carefully. Typos and other grammatical problems in a posting are often red flags. Look for a list of intern tasks, and see if the position is paid. Now, keep in mind that many internships are unpaid, and this can vary from industry to industry and country to country. However, a paid position can sometimes indicate a company’s financial situation, especially if you’re applying directly and aren’t being placed through an internship program.
Once you’ve sifted through the internship listing itself, it’s time to look for reviews and testimonials. This is one of the most important steps when it comes to how to avoid internship scams. Look for reviews that mention the types of projects an intern worked on, and whether they recommend the placement to future interns. If a company has a longstanding internship program, they’re likely to highlight the experience of past interns, so look for blog posts or testimonial videos.
For example, The Intern Group has over 10,000 alumni around the world. When you run a search for Intern Group testimonials, you’ll find interns explaining how the program helped them realize their potential, and develop their skills. They often mention specific companies or organizations they interned for, as well as projects they accomplished.
