Wondering how to find an online internship? Worry not! In this article we have covered 7 steps that help you finding an online internship easily. Interested in gaining work experience but not thrilled about the idea of commuting to an office?
Well, you’re in luck! You can explore the world of online internships right from the comfort of your home. This internship guide is here to help you find your future career and navigate the process of not only finding but also securing an online internship in no time.
The corporate landscape has been evolving, and recent trends indicate a significant shift towards the digital realm. Online internships have emerged as a result of this transition, with major players like Amazon, Bloomberg, Lloyd’s, IBM, and Sky leading the way in embracing virtual opportunities.
In adapting to the digital era, industry leaders are exploring various avenues, from utilizing e-learning platforms to participating in virtual networking sessions, all in an effort to recreate the immersive experience of in-person internships. It’s safe to say that online internships are no passing trend – they’re here to stay for the long haul.
7 Steps For How To Find An Online Internship
While virtual internships may differ from the traditional in-office experience, they offer students and young graduates from across the globe a chance to gain valuable insights and skills within renowned companies worldwide.
So, where should you start? We’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to discover and apply for online internships. Let’s get you on the path to a fulfilling virtual internship experience!
7 steps to find an online internship:
- Use different online platforms
- Contact companies about possible internships
- Build an impressive résumé
- Apply to online internship opportunities
- Prepare for online interviews
- Emphasize your role during interviews
- Send a follow-up email
How to find an online internship?:
1. Use different online platforms
More and more companies are jumping on the virtual internship bandwagon. But to tap into all these exciting opportunities, you’ve got to know where to start your search.
Feeling a bit lost? These platforms are your go-to to kick off your quest for online internships:
- Job Portals
- Social Media
- Online Portfolio and Blog
- Career Fairs
- Local Career Centre
Looking for online internships but not sure where to begin? Here are some reliable avenues to kick off your search:
Job Portals:Â
A quick Google search will reveal numerous internship portals. Trusted sites like Zip Recruiter, Internships.com, and InternQueen can guide you in your search.
LinkedIn:Â
Beyond being a professional social media platform, LinkedIn has become a powerhouse for job and internship opportunities. Many companies use LinkedIn to discover and hire interns. It’s highly recommended to create a LinkedIn account and keep your profile updated.
Social Media:Â
Apart from LinkedIn, major social networks like Facebook and Twitter are valuable tools for finding internships or getting noticed. Join dedicated internship groups on Facebook related to your field. Just a heads up: Watch what you post! Some companies share online opportunities on their social media channels, so keep an eye out!
Online Portfolio and Blog:Â
In today’s world, you are your own brand. Showcase your human capital through a blog or portfolio page, highlighting your education, skills, and achievements. A well-thought-out SEO strategy can help your blog get discovered by search engines, providing hiring managers with a detailed look at your work history.
Career Fairs:Â
Career fairs are excellent resources for both online and offline internship opportunities. They offer a chance for face-to-face interaction, allowing you to present yourself effectively. Explore online career fairs as well – a good starting point for your search.
Local Career Center:Â
If you live in a sizable city, there’s a good chance there are multiple career centers in your area. These centers, often run by government agencies and non-profit organizations, aim to connect you with internships and other positions. Visiting a local career center could uncover great opportunities that others may have missed.
2. Contact companies about possible internships
Unfortunately, there are companies out there that might not advertise their internship opportunities online or participate in career fairs. But here’s the thing – just because they’re not putting up ads doesn’t mean they aren’t on the lookout for interns.
Some of these businesses might be swamped with applications, and posting ads feels redundant. So, why not consider the old-school approach of cold calling?
If there’s a company you’re keen on working for, take the initiative to give them a call or shoot them an email to inquire about potential internship opportunities. You don’t have to dial every number in the Yellow Pages, but reaching out to a business you’ve always dreamed of working with, even if it’s just for a summer or a semester, can be a game-changer.
Related: How to find a summer internship?
3. Build an impressive résumé
Crafting a résumé is a must when diving into internship applications. Even if your work history is on the lighter side, it’s crucial to whip up a clean, entry-level résumé.
This is your chance to showcase your go-getter attitude by shining a light on volunteer experiences, school club memberships, and skills you’ve honed along the way.
Equally important in your résumé arsenal are your references. Whether it’s a teacher, mentor, coach, or a past employer, there’s a lineup of people ready to vouch for you. These references can make a real difference, emphasizing your achievements, skills, and overall experience, giving you a boost in the internship game.
And let’s not overlook the power of a well-crafted cover letter. While they may seem a bit tricky, they’re often a crucial component of any job application, carrying weight in your selection and hiring process.
In your cover letter, briefly express what’s driving you to apply and highlight your experiences, interests, and the unique value you bring as an intern. Oh, and one more thing – tailor your résumé and cover letter to each company you’re applying to; it makes a noticeable difference.
4. Apply to online internship opportunities
Once you stumble upon an online internship that catches your eye, there’s a bit of a process to follow when it comes to applying.
It involves everything from filling out forms to sending in your résumé. Before you throw your hat in the ring for the online gig, it’s crucial to give the terms, conditions, and application instructions a good read.
If you’re using a platform like LinkedIn to apply, you’ll need to navigate through the website’s specific procedures. On the flip side, if you spotted the opportunity on a job board, take advantage of the contact details provided.
Shoot over your résumé, cover letter, and any other required personal information through the channels they’ve laid out. It’s all about following the right steps to get your foot in the virtual door.
5. Prepare for online interviews
These days, interviews often happen on video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Skype. But just because it’s happening through a screen doesn’t mean you should skimp on preparation – treat it like any other face-to-face interview.
It’s the classic drill: gear up for the usual questions, present yourself professionally, and show up on time. Plus, for online interviews, pay extra attention to your surroundings.
Natural lighting, top-notch audio, and clear video quality are must-haves. Quick tip: Remember to maintain eye contact with your interviewers; it beats staring at your video screen the entire time.
6. Emphasize your role during interviews
In this competitive landscape with dozens of other applicants, the real question is: What sets you apart? Your task as a candidate is to shine a spotlight on your role within the organization.
What’s your unique contribution? How do you plan to make an impact? What’s your goal for this online internship?
Make sure to showcase your strengths and back them up with solid evidence that sets you apart from the crowd. The more memorable you are as a candidate, the better chance you have of sticking in the recruiter’s memory and snagging that online internship offer. It’s all about making yourself stand out in the best way possible.
7. Send a follow-up email
When all is said and done, don’t forget the power of a follow-up email. Take a moment to express your gratitude to the interviewer for considering your application and investing their time in the interview.
It’s a classy move and might just be the thing that sets you apart from the rest. Remember, how you carry yourself before and during the internship could pave the way for turning this online gig into a full-time position.
In that follow-up, it’s a good idea to reiterate your motivation for pursuing this online internship and highlight once again what you can bring to the table if you’re chosen.
It’s like giving them a little reminder of why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Little gestures like these can make a big difference in leaving a lasting, positive impression.
Final Thoughts
Internships remain a key asset for students and graduates across all fields. They offer hands-on training and real-world exposure that’s hard to replicate in a classroom.
Just like everything else, internships are changing with the times. Opting for a virtual internship gives you a taste of what remote work might look like in your future career. It’s like a sneak peek into the new normal, and an online internship can serve as a fantastic stepping stone for your personal and professional growth.
Got any tips on scoring an online internship? We’d love to hear from you! Share your insights in the comments section below.
Hey, I am Sachin Ramdurg. I run and manage futuredecider.com website that helps students, graduates, and professionals, to find and decide on their future career with ultimate future career advices and future career guides. I have an overall 12+ years of career guidance experience in multiple domains which has helped multiple students, graduates, and professionals to find the best career path for their future.