Guide to Online Internships

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Are Online Internships Right For Me?

Internships can be a great way to learn new skills, network with professionals, and explore different career paths. With remote work becoming more and more common, internships are also moving away from the traditional, in-person setting. 

What types of online internships are there?

When it comes to exploring internships, you have a lot of options! Your internship search will depend on your interests. Taking the University of Arizona’s Career Cluster Quiz is a great starting point to think about the kind of industries you might be interested in and to explore what internship opportunities lie within those fields. Gathering information about different sectors can generate ideas about what you might like, or help you narrow your focus.

Still undecided about your major? Get some great advice from fellow Wildcats.

Virtual Internship Opportunities at UArizona

• As a University of Arizona student, you can find internship opportunities through your Handshake account. You can pre-select the “Internship” and “Remote” filters to optimize your search for virtual internship opportunities. In Handshake, you can also browse career-focused events at the university. Throughout the academic year, UArizona hosts virtual career and internship fairs to give you an idea of the skills employers are seeking. 
• Student Engagement and Career Development (SECD) and LifeLab are also great resources for you as a student. You can receive individualized career coaching, resume writing support, and attend career and internship-focused workshops.
• Your academic advisor and success coaches are also available for career development guidance and support.
• Micro-internships are the perfect opportunity to try out a short, flexible internship. These short-term experiences, often offered in the summer, help you gain valuable career experience from anywhere.

Should I pursue an online internship?

Virtual internships are an excellent option for students who cannot relocate for an internship or prefer to work from home.

The pros of online internships include:

• Flexibility: You can work from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Cost savings: You can avoid the cost of travel for an internship.
• Convenience: You can work around other commitments, such as school or work.
• Accessibility: Online internships can be accessible to students from all over the world and from all walks of life. Virtual interns who live in rural areas or who have disabilities, won’t be limited in their internship opportunities.
• Diversity: With so many diverse and unique opportunities afforded to students through online internships, they’ll likely to develop communication and teamwork skills and get exposed to new ideas and perspectives.
• Skill development: Online internships can help interns to develop a variety of skills, including hard skills (such as proficiency in specific software or programming languages) and soft skills (such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving).

An online internship may be right for you if you are: 

• A student living in a rural area where there aren’t many internship opportunities in commuting distance. 
• A student who doesn’t want to limit their internship options by geography.
• A student with a disability who might find only in-person internship options limiting.
• A student juggling classes, a career and other priorities and needs an internship with flexible hours.
• A student who is looking to save money on commuting and housing costs but still wants to pursue an internship in a city where cost of living is out of their budget.
• A student looking to develop remote communication and teamwork skills.

Make the most of your internship

Online internships can offer you various benefits, so be sure to explore the many online opportunities available to you. Remember to set clear goals and expectations when you land that dream internship. Be proactive and take the initiative to stand out and make connections. Remember to be a team player since working well with colleagues is invaluable in almost every industry. Be professional and respectful, and put yourself out there with your colleagues and mentors! 

Ready to start your internship journey? Schedule an internship coaching appointment today and get started on your next exciting chapter! 

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