What is an online internship?
An online internship is an internship that is done completely remotely and online. This means you can work from anywhere with an internet connection, rather than having to commute to an office. Online internships have become increasingly popular over the last few years as more companies adopt remote and hybrid work models. They offer excellent opportunities to gain experience and build your skills, without having to relocate or deal with a daily commute.
What are the benefits of online internships?
There are several key benefits to doing an online internship:
- Location flexibility – You can complete an online internship from anywhere with a stable internet connection. This allows you to gain experience with organizations and companies that may not have offices near where you live.
- Saves commuting time – No need to deal with traffic or public transportation to get to and from an office every day. This frees up more time in your schedule.
- Access to more opportunities – You open yourself up to many more potential internships when location is not a limiting factor. This increases your chances of finding an opportunity that’s a great fit for your skills and interests.
- Learn remote work skills – Online internships allow you to develop important skills for remote roles, like effective communication, collaboration, and time management when working independently.
- Professional development – Like in-person internships, online internships let you gain hands-on experience, work on projects, network with professionals, and explore career options.
What types of online internships are available?
Online internships span nearly every industry and function. Here are some of the more common types of virtual internship opportunities:
- Software engineering – Interns may help develop, test and debug applications and programs.
- IT/Cybersecurity – Interns can assist with IT support, building network infrastructure, and security practices.
- Data analytics – Interns may collect, organize and analyze data to find patterns and insights.
- Marketing – Common tasks include managing social media, developing content, customer research, and assisting with campaigns.
- Finance – Interns may work on financial modeling, research, audits, financial reporting and more.
- Human resources – HR interns help with recruiting, onboarding, training, and retaining employees.
- Journalism and communications – Writing, editing, fact-checking, and promoting content are some possible responsibilities.
Opportunities are not limited to these fields. You can find online internships in nearly any industry that interests you.
What qualifications do you need for an online internship?
The specific qualifications vary depending on the internship, but most online internships require:
- Active enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. Many internships require you to be enrolled in school to be eligible.
- Relevant educational background. For example, computer science studies for a software engineering internship.
- Technical skills and knowledge. Proficiency with relevant computer programs and technologies.
- Soft skills like communication, time management, critical thinking, etc.
- Availability during typical working hours in the timezone of the company.
- Self-motivation and the ability to work independently and remotely.
Specialized internships may have additional specific qualifications, like a particular major or minimum GPA.
Where can you find online internship opportunities?
There are many great resources for finding open online internships, including:
- Online job boards – Major sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Internships.com, and Handshake all have search filters to find remote internships.
- Company career pages – Check the careers section on company websites for available internships. Many detail which roles are remote eligible.
- University career centers – Visit your own school’s career center site or office to look for online options.
- Industry associations – Professional groups like SWE (Society of Women Engineers) and NSA (National Society of Accountants) post internship opportunities.
- Internship platforms – Sites like Chegg, WayUp, and Virtual Internships all specialize in online internships.
- Networking – Talk to professors, family, friends, alumni of your school, and other contacts about possible virtual internship opportunities.
Cast a wide net by utilizing multiple sources to find the most options. New online internships are posted every day!
How do you stand out when applying for a remote internship?
When competing for a virtual internship, here are some tips to make your application shine:
- Highlight remote work abilities – Emphasize skills like independent time management, communication, collaboration, and any past remote experience.
- Show enthusiasm – Convey genuine interest in the company and position. Do your research beforehand.
- Follow directions – Carefully adhere to all application instructions. Submit requested items like a resume or cover letter.
- Check for errors – Closely proofread all materials you submit to avoid typos and mistakes.
- Ask questions – Having thoughtful questions shows engagement with the opportunity.
- Send follow-ups – After applying, follow up to politely check on status.
- Customize materials – Tailor your resume, cover letters, and other documents to match each internship.
Set yourself apart from other applicants by putting your best foot forward at each stage of the process.
What types of tasks and projects can you expect during a remote internship?
Remote interns typically perform many of the same core functions as they would on-site. Some examples of common virtual internship responsibilities include:
- Conducting research and gathering data relevant to projects
- Creating reports, presentations, and documentation to summarize findings
- Handling administrative tasks like scheduling, documentation, and correspondence
- Managing email inboxes and other digital communications
- Providing support to teams and departments as needed
- Assisting with campaigns, events, training, and other initiatives
- Entering, organizing, and analyzing data
- Developing content for blogs, websites, social media, and other platforms
- Participating in meetings via phone or video conferencing
- Collaborating on projects using platforms like Slack or Asana
Of course, your individual duties will depend on your specific internship role and company. However, you can expect to gain well-rounded experience with remote work.
What software, tools, and technologies may be used?
Online interns need to be skilled with using various common remote work tech tools. Here are some examples:
- Video call platforms like Zoom or Google Meet for meetings
- Chat platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams for communication
- Project management software like Asana or Trello to collaborate
- Productivity suites like GSuite/Google Workspace or Office 365 for documents and email
- Data and analytics programs like Excel, SQL, Tableau, etc.
- Industry-specific programs and technical tools
- Business application software like Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.
- Cybersecurity tools for IT-related roles
Having experience with relevant technical platforms and programs can give you a leg up when applying for remote internships. Highlight these skills on your resume and during interviews.
How much do online interns typically earn?
Most companies provide compensation for their interns, including remote interns. According to Glassdoor data, average hourly intern pay is around $17-22 per hour in the U.S. However, some internships are unpaid.
Here are typical earning ranges for common virtual internship roles:
Internship Type | Average Hourly Pay (USD) |
---|---|
Software Engineering | $25-45 |
IT/Cybersecurity | $23-35 |
Data Analytics | $20-30 |
Marketing | $15-25 |
Finance | $18-28 |
Human Resources | $15-22 |
Compensation can vary based on the company, location, and your specific skills and education. Discuss pay during your interviews if it is not already outlined in the job description.
Are remote internships as valuable as in-person internships for your career?
Yes, virtual internships can provide equal value in terms of career preparation and gaining work experience. According to a 2021 survey from Glassdoor, over 70% of interns said a virtual internship experience was just as or more valuable than being on site.
There are a few reasons why online internships offer comparable benefits:
- You gain the same practical job skills through meaningful, hands-on projects.
- You learn key professional skills around communication, collaboration, time management, and using remote tech tools.
- You expand your professional network by engaging with teams and colleagues.
- You receive mentorship opportunities, speaker sessions, and learning resources.
- You experience real workplace projects and team dynamics.
- You can list the internship experience equally on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
The main difference is working remotely, which is becoming the norm in many industries. Overall, virtual and in-office internships provide similar preparation for future job opportunities.
What are some tips for having a successful online internship experience?
Here are some best practices to help you thrive in a remote internship:
- Set up a dedicated workspace that enables you to focus.
- Proactively communicate with your manager and teammates.
- Document your work activities and accomplishments for future reference.
- Ask questions and seek feedback to continue learning.
- Build connections by having informal video chats with coworkers.
- Manage your schedule carefully and avoid procrastinating.
- If issues arise, promptly address them with your manager.
- Participate in meetings, training sessions, and team activities.
- Stay organized using task lists and collaboration tools.
- Complete projects fully and submit deliverables on time.
Being organized, proactive, and communicative will help you maximize your learning during your virtual internship.
Conclusion
Virtual internships provide amazing opportunities to gain experience with top organizations from anywhere. They offer the same professional development, skill building, and career preparation value as in-office internships. With remote work on the rise, online internships help you gain vital skills for the modern workforce. By finding an open position that’s a strong match for your abilities and qualifications, interning remotely can propel your future career success.