Being a job seeker in a post-pandemic world has not entirely changed the fact that many companies invest a lot in training their staff and provide multiple opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain a foothold in the working world.
This foothold can usually come about through internships, which thanks to technology, can be performed remotely.
If you’re thinking of applying for a remote internship it is important to understand its dynamics and how you will be expected to perform your responsibilities as a remote intern.
What are remote internships?
Interns who participate from a remote setting usually communicate and complete their job tasks using online tools. With this kind of internship, candidates are not physically present at the company’s office. Instead, remote interns work from home, or anywhere that has sufficient connectivity and is conducive to work performance.
Remote internships, unlike similar physical programs offer flexibility and self-management. Interns can be based from different cities, countries or regions, where calls, projects and meetings are all facilitated online.
Why consider remote internships?
Mental Transition
Usually both candidates and companies find that internships are an effective method of transitioning graduates from university life into workplace culture.
Remote internships for this same reason are important for such a transition. Internships, whether remote or physical are a practical way to gain real working experience, knowledge and skills.
A key consideration for remote internships is the difference in mentality. Many employers would agree that classroom theory can only be so effective in preparing someone for their first day on the job. With a remote internship program, students can shed their university mentality and develop and mature as working professionals.
Relocating
You may be considering moving to another Caribbean territory for career purposes. You may be pursuing a career path that is underdeveloped or virtually non-existent in your country. With a remote internship, you don’t have to be limited by national borders. You can become an intern at a company, within an industry of your choice, anywhere in the Caribbean.
Why should you do a remote internship?
Saves cost
Normally with any position within a company, internship or otherwise, you would have to factor in the cost to commute to that company atleast five days a week. There would be the cost of transportation -car fuel. Additionally, you would have to factor in expenses for food and vehicle maintenance.
Remote internships eliminate the commuting costs that a physical work arrangement would entail.
Appropriate for the current social & economic climate
A simple, yet important reason to apply for a remote internship is because it is the current reality we face. The world has gone virtual, and applying for such internship programs would ensure you don’t get left behind or become obsolete in an evolving digital world.
Put your knowledge into use
It’s never a good feeling to have potential and knowledge with no way of putting it into practice. A remote internship gives you the ability to accomplish what you can.
An opportunity to network
Even if this internship is not within an organisation or industry of your choice, proper networking with the right people can possibly get you introduced to someone who can offer you something better.
Where to search for virtual internships?
Resources for locating and playing to remote internships include:
- Job boards – university job boards as well as online resources (Caribbeanjobs.com)
- Career services centre (if your university has one)
- Peruse companies’ websites, the career section in the local press or social media pages for open internship vacancies
- Ask persons in your network – family, friends, associates of your family, teachers, lecturers and community members as well as groups or associations you may belong to for referrals.
If you have no found any opportunities being advertised, do not be discouraged. If you have a niche industry or particular list of companies you would like work with, feel free to reach out to them. Sometimes a bit of proactive and initiative pays off.
If you can obtain a valid email for their Human Resources department or contact person, you can reach out via email or LinkedIn and enquire about any possible opportunities. Take the initiative to do extra homework by researching if the company is engaged in any special project or campaign. Identify ways you can assist and how your presence will prove beneficial for them.
You may not be guaranteed to get a response for every company you contact. However, your drive will eventually pay off as one of your contacts may decide to hire an intern once the opportunity presents itself.
Steps for finding your remote internship
Find the right opportunities
Choose a remote internship that aligns with your interest and the skills you’re looking to develop. It would not be beneficial to intern at an engineering company if you’re pursuing a career in fashion.
Have your information updated, polished and ready
You don’t necessarily have to wait for opportunities to come to you to prepare. It is better to be prepared already when those opportunities come. Therefore, have your CV, cover letter and supporting documents ready and accessible
Research industries
Which companies have internship programs? Are they aligned to your skill set? Are they paid and unpaid? Finding the right internship where you can truly thrive and develop professionally takes time and effort. Do the necessary research to find the right opportunities for you.
What to avoid when looking for remote internships
While researching internship opportunities, it is vital that you remember that not everything on the internet is genuine or beneficial. When seeking internships online, it is important to avoid:
- Job scams/False advertising – Sometimes you may encounter persons promising to help you find jobs or internships on behalf of organisations. Perform background checks on organisations to ensure the opportunity is legal and valid.
- Get rich quick schemes – some ‘companies’ advertise multiple ways to make lots of money with minimal effort and time. These can be common on social media platforms. Run a google search for these companies or check to see if they are registered business entities with your country’s Ministry of Labour.
- Be aware of receiving internship or job offers from companies you have not applied to. There are individuals out there seeking to steal personal information. Never submit personal details to anyone unless they are employed with a legitimate organisation.
