Just having a good degree is no longer enough to secure that all-important graduate job offer in today’s world. Pertinent work experience is now just as valuable as your degree and exam results when it comes to building a successful career. Are you interested in taking up a remote internship role in local and international organizations but do not know how? This is for you.

You have probably heard or seen several ads for internship roles in highly reputable organizations that you would love to be part of, and each time it has been your inability to work remotely or lack of knowledge on how to go about it that has deterred you from applying for these roles. This is for you as well.

What are remote internship roles?

Remote internship roles refer to specific positions or responsibilities that individuals undertake as part of an internship program within a remote organization. These roles are designed to provide hands-on experience, professional development, and exposure to the inner workings of a particular industry or field while working from the comfort of your home. Internship roles can vary widely depending on factors such as the industry, company size, and specific objectives of the internship program.

What do remote internship roles entail?

Remote internship roles typically involve tasks and responsibilities relevant to the intern’s area of study or career interests. For example, a marketing intern might assist with social media management, market research, or content creation, while a software engineering intern might work on coding, testing, and debugging software projects.

Why are internship roles important to career development?

Internship roles can range from entry-level tasks to more specialized projects, depending on the intern’s skill level, academic background, and previous experience. The goal of internship roles is to provide valuable learning opportunities, skill development, and professional networking that can help interns kick-start their careers and make informed decisions about their future career paths.

According to NACE’s Class of 2019 Student Survey, “More than half of all graduating seniors who applied for a full-time job (53.2%) received at least one job offer. Within this group, 57.5% of students who had an internship and 43.7% of graduating seniors who did not have an internship received a job offer.”

15 Tips on How to Land Remote Internship Roles in Both Local and International Organisations

Getting remote internship roles requires a strategic approach; follow these tips to land a gig.

1. Research: Understand the types of remote internship opportunities available in your field of interest. Look for companies that offer remote internships, both locally and internationally.
2. Update Your Resume/CV: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Emphasize any remote work experience, communication skills, and proficiency with remote collaboration tools.
3. Networking: Leverage professional networks, social media platforms like LinkedIn, and alumni connections to connect with professionals in your field. Attend virtual career fairs, webinars, and industry events to expand your network.
4. Online Platforms: Utilize online job platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Remote4Africa and specific internship websites to search for remote internship opportunities. Set up alerts for relevant positions.
5. Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss your remote work experience, communication skills, ability to work independently, and adaptability to different time zones if applying for international roles.
6. Flexibility: Be open to different time zones and flexible work hours.
7. Demonstrate Remote Work Skills: Showcase your ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and communicate efficiently in a remote environment. Provide examples of successful remote projects or collaborations.
8. Language Skills: If applying for international internships, highlight any language skills you have that might be relevant to the organization or the region where it’s located.
9. Seek Feedback: If you’re not getting interviews or offers, seek feedback from mentors, career counselors, or professionals in your field. Use their insights to improve your application materials and interview skills.
10. Remote Work Tools Proficiency: Familiarize yourself with popular remote collaboration tools such as Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Trello, Asana, etc. Mention your proficiency with these tools on your resume or during interviews.
11. Remote Internship Platforms: Explore platforms specifically designed for remote internships, such as Remote.co, We Work Remotely, Virtual Internships, and Remote Internships. These platforms cater to remote work opportunities across various industries and regions.
12. Freelancing Experience: If you have freelance or remote project experience, highlight it on your resume. It demonstrates your ability to work independently and manage remote tasks effectively.
13. Professional Online Presence: Ensure your online presence is professional and up-to-date. Clean up your social media profiles and create a LinkedIn profile that highlights your skills, experiences, and aspirations.
14. Remote Internship Programs: Some organizations offer structured remote internship programs. Research and apply to these programs, as they often provide valuable learning experiences and mentorship opportunities.
15. Persistence and Patience: Landing remote internships, especially international ones, can take time and persistence. Keep applying, networking, and refining your approach until you find the right opportunity.

By incorporating these tips into your internship search, you can further enhance your chances of securing remote internship roles in both local and international organizations. Always remember that your end goal is to get an opportunity that will kickstart your career and help you gain the experience you need to start navigating the cooperative world.

To sum up, internships play a crucial role in shaping one’s career. It not only helps undergraduates and graduates gain real exposure to working environments but also helps them develop the necessary skills required to stand out in a saturated job market. Now that you know the importance of an internship, it is time to find an internship in your chosen industry.