So, where do I find a virtual internship?
I’ve highlighted in previous blog posts (here, here and here) the benefits and opportunities that come from virtual internships. Now that you know a little bit more about what a virtual internship is, why it’s a valuable experience for you as a student, and how to make the most out of your virtual internship time-lets face the real question. How do I find a virtual internship? Where do I apply to become a virtual intern for a company?
I’ve mentioned that I had a virtual internship with Intern Queen Inc. and websites like this are the connection between students and employers. For example, on the Intern Queen website there are more than 20 virtual internships posted. LELA Media is one company that posted virtual internships on the website for social media interns, editorial interns, SEO optimization interns, sports/entertainment interns and public relations interns. This company is all about utilizing virtual interns! The Intern Queen website also lists multiple virtual internship positions available with Opulent Magazine and College Lifestyles. Companies like Heather Lins Home, Come Recommended and College Magazine are also posting virtual internship spots on the Intern Queen website. This is just a sample of companies that are posting virtual internships through Intern Queen Inc. I would strongly recommend using the Intern Queen website to start applying for virtual internships!
Another resource similar to Intern Queen Inc. is Internships.com which allows students to search for internships (including virtual ones!) on their website. They also have Internships.com on-campus representative positions available. The website lists different colleges and universities that they are looking to have a company on-campus student representative and could be a great virtual internship opportunity!
Through reading a Wall Street Journal article found here, I learned about the resource Urban Interns. According to the WSJ article, one-fourth of internships posted on the Urban Interns site are virtual positions. Another website that accepts applications for virtual interns is CAREEREALISM, and the website explained the emphasis of virtual interns learning more about social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Companies like these are providing students with a quick one-stop place to apply for multiple internships whether in-office or virtual.
I would also recommend using social media sites to search for virtual internships. Start following companies you are interested in on Twitter or “Like” their page on Facebook. Tweet about your interest in a virtual internship opportunity and network via social media sites with professionals. You never know what opportunities might be out there if you don’t ask and do a little research!
In no way have I exhausted the resources available for you to search for virtual internships. Some companies may be interested in having a virtual intern but don’t have it advertised on their website. Using websites like the ones mentioned above allow you to apply for multiple virtual internships, so this is an easy tool for your virtual internship hunt. You never know until you try, so start networking and applying for virtual internship positions. Check out those sites today and start conversations with professionals on your social media sites! Good luck!
Andrea Teggart is a senior at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, and the P.R. chief of Thread Magazine. She is studying public relations journalism and retail merchandising, and is also involved with University Program Council and Student Senate. Follow Andrea on twitter @luckyAndi, or read her blog updates here.
