Internships are a great opportunity to translate what you’ve learned in the classroom into real-world experience. However, the world we live in right now is limiting your options, making it difficult to find an in-office internship.
Now, virtual internship opportunities are literally knocking at your door! You still have the opportunity to learn invaluable career skills right from your home.
It may sound strange at first, and you may question which skills you’ll gain from an online internship, but there are great benefits to getting international work experience straight from your computer!
1. You Can Work From Anywhere
Virtual internships allow you the freedom to work from wherever you can access the internet. Job satisfaction and reduced stress are also some of the many benefits of working from home.
Simply put, working in a place that you care about that makes you happier. Studies have shown that some employees have higher levels of productivity, job performance, and job satisfaction when allowed to work remote.
2. You’ll Work With People Around The World
Just because you’re interning remotely doesn’t mean it doesn’t count as international work experience! You’ll still have to navigate new language barriers, learn about another culture, and adapt to different time zones.
With a virtual international internship, you get the opportunity to network with people around the world and in your chosen industry! That can have huge benefits for your future.
3. You’ll Work Independently
Boost your resumé by showing your ability to work independently without close supervision! You’ll find yourself being more proactive when looking for your own answers or finding what you need on your own - a great skill to have!
International remote work helps you improve your time management and accountability skills by having you work across multiple time zones.
Here are some tips for working from home the right way.
4. Digital Literacy is an Important Career Skill
As citizens of a global society, it’s clear that the influence of social media, technology, and other online resources is massive. Fluency in using productivity tools, creating spreadsheets and presentations, and working across various digital platforms are skills that can be sharpened through a virtual internship opportunity.
Here are some of the key attributes employers want to see on students’ resumes.
5. It’s Cost Effective
By choosing a digital internship, you’ll save money over the traditional experience. You’ll eliminate all travel costs and your commute entirely and save big by brewing your morning coffee and preparing your lunches from home!
And while we don’t recommend completing your internship in your PJ’s every day, you’ll save on your wardrobe costs and dry-cleaning!
6. It’s Environmentally Friendly
A virtual internship is also a green choice. By removing your daily commute, considerably less carbon is released. Plus you won’t have to start and end your day by battling traffic or crowds!
Working from home not only saves you time, but it also cuts down on your carbon footprint and daily expenses. All the comforts of your home and helping the environment is not a bad combination.
7. You Can Create Your Own Office
Have fun with it! You get to create your own professional environment from within your home. Keep in mind that it’s meant to be a working space - try to limit distractions and make sure you have a sufficient power source. Here are some of our favorite work from home offices!
8. Work-Life Balance
The ability to balance these two has become key to feeling happier. A healthy work-life balance is extremely important and has been proven you are more productive while at work.
While interning remotely, you have the flexibility to be around family and friends, attend to any household chores, cook a delicious meal, and jump back online to work when you’re ready.
Through virtual work environments and speedy internet connections, interns are now gaining vital work experience without having to move an inch from home.
By completing a virtual international internship program, you develop digital literacy, valuable job skills, and experience at a critical point - the beginning of your career.
About Our Virtual Internship Program
GE Virtuoso is a virtual international internship program that allows you to gain the same benefits of working with an international company from the comfort of your home. You’ll also still have access to our personalized career coaching and professional development program to ensure your readiness for your internship. If accepted into the program, we’ll guarantee you an internship placement in your desired career field with an internationally focused employer!
If you’re ready to move forward, fill out the application and one of our Admissions Counselors will reach out to you to discuss your interests and possibilities.
