Virtual work experience | Prospects.ac.uk (2023)

Widening access to the internship landscape, virtual work experience opportunities are increasingly popular. Learn more about what online work experience involves and weigh up its pros and cons

'Work experience gives you the chance to explore new industries beyond theoretical knowledge, discover roles you never knew existed, and figure out what sort of working environment suits you best,' explains Sophie Phillipson, founder of student and graduate support siteHelloGrads.

What is virtual work experience?

Also referred to as online, remote or e-experience, virtual work experience gives students and graduates the opportunity to complete a fullinternshipfrom home. For the majority of online work experience opportunities all you need is access to a laptop/computer and a stable internet connection.

Virtual internships share many similarities with traditional, in-person internships but their online nature allows participants to work with organisations across the country, even the globe.

While traditional, in-person internships often exclude a large number of students and graduates, owing to the limited number of placements available and the practicalities of taking part, the increased accessibility of virtual work experience means that opportunities are open to all.

Learn more aboutwork experience and internships.

What do virtual internships involve?

'The application process for virtual internships is the same as when applying for traditional internships but the experienceitself is quite different,' says Sophie.

(Video) How to gain work experience as a student (in a virtual world) #tech

You’ll typically apply for virtual work experience with aCV and cover letter - alternatively an organisation may require you to complete an application form. If you'd like to gain experience with a particular company but can't find any advertised work experience programmes, it's worth sending aspeculative application. Bear in mind that where virtual experience is concerned an organisation may not always have the necessary technology to grant your request. Take a look at our internship and speculative cover letter examples for inspiration.

On the whole, online internships involve:

  • regular online meetings with your supervisor or mentor
  • Individual project work where you'll focus on one larger project instead of helping with lots of small jobs (as you probably would if you were in an office environment)
  • video tutorials and virtual tours
  • virtual networking sessions and online chats with various members of the organisation, to give you an insight into what different colleagues do
  • training opportunities generally provided via an e-learning platform
  • online socialising events such as team drinks, coffee breaks and quizzes.

'A virtual internshould be assigned a single point of contact who will act as a mentor, instructor and trainer. That person will set jobs and give you feedback on completed tasks, as well as answering any questions you may have about the industry,' adds Sophie. 'Jot down questions as you think of them, as you may not be in constant contact with your mentor.'

'Some companies will give you access to their e-learning portal, with video tutorials covering soft skills like communication, as well as hard skills, such as how to use Excel to do specific tasks. Watch these carefully and make a note of anything you don't already know.'

Completing experience remotely can make networking hard, so jump at the chance to speak to other people in the company. 'You'll get different perspectives and may discover a role that you never knew existed. Plus, it's a chance to make new contacts and expand your professional network,' explains Sophie.

Before taking part in virtual work experience make sure that you're fully aware of what's involved and that your duties are clearly defined. Contact the employer or internship provider if you're unsure.

Also make sure that you have the technology you'll need to complete the opportunity. For starters you'll need a laptop or computer with a working camera and microphone and access to the internet. It's likely that you'll also need software such as Skype, Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

How long do placements last?

This largely depends on the internship you take. Most last between one and three months, although longer six or 12-month opportunities also exist.

(Video) Exploring virtual work experience | Future You: LIVE! 2020

The amount of work required varies depending on your placement, but as a minimum expect to put in at least 20 to 30 hours per week.

The more time and effort you put in, the more you'll get out of the experience - so only apply for opportunities if you're committed to making the most of it.

Where can I find virtual work experience opportunities?

An increasing number of UK employers, from large, multi-national companies to small and medium-sized employers (SMEs), provide virtual work experience opportunities.

Placements are available across a number of sectors including:

  • accountancy
  • banking
  • business and consultancy
  • engineering
  • healthcare
  • insurance
  • IT
  • law
  • marketing
  • media
  • retail.

Companies currently providing virtual work experience include:

  • Accenture
  • Baker McKenzie
  • Citi
  • Deloitte
  • EY
  • JP Morgan
  • KPMG
  • Pinsent Masons
  • .

This is not an exhaustive list. An increasing number of employers are realising the benefits of virtual experience and are working to provide these opportunities, so do some research into organisations you'd like to intern with to see what they provide.

Universities also run virtual internship schemes, such as the Virtual Internships Programme at the University of Birmingham, which is open to all University of Birmingham undergraduates and postgraduates, as well as those who've graduated in the last two years.

Look for virtual work experience at:

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Will I get paid?

Again, this depends on the organisation you work for. Some large companies may pay participants for their time, others may pay minimum wage, while some may still honour expenses (although you're unlikely to incur many when working from home).

Be aware that a lot of virtual work experience is unpaid, so make sure you do your research before applying or signing up. Never accept a placement if the duties or tasks seem exploitative.

What are the benefits of online experience?

One of the main benefits to completing an internship from home is the flexibility that the arrangement affords you. You can work hours that suit you and fit the internship around other work or personal commitments. Other advantages include:

  • Accessibility- virtual work experience is open to all and location isn't an issue. 'The rise of virtual work experience and internships will work in favour of many young jobseekers, as high-quality roles that were only accessible to those who could live rent-free in London or other major cities will be open to all,' says Sophie.
  • Cost- as you're working from home and the experience is online you won't need to temporarily move to the town or city where your internship is based, saving you the cost of accommodation. You're also unlikely to incur travel fees meaning you'll save money on the commute, not to mention coffees and lunches.
  • More options- because you're not restricted by cost or location you can apply for an internship anywhere in the world, which dramatically increases your options and potentially the breadth of your experience.
  • Improved technical skills- 'remote working is an important skill for the modern workplace and learning how to be useful and effective from afar is a valuable skill,' adds Sophie.
  • Enhanced soft skills- the self-discipline required to work from home will hone a number of soft skills, such as organisation, time management and the ability to prioritise. Taking part also demonstrates your initiative and motivation to employers. These are all great skills for your CV.

What about the drawbacks?

It's only fair to acknowledge that virtual work experience does have some drawbacks. The most obvious disadvantage is a lack of face-to-face interaction. Others include:

  • No experience in an office environment -'an intern going into a workplace will normally be given exposure to dozens of people doing all sorts of different jobs. They might join their colleagues for coffeebreaks and after-work drinks. They might, by simply being in the right place at the right time, be drawn into working on a project where an extra pair of hands is vital,' explains Sophie. 'By contrast, a virtual intern is likely to be more isolated and less exposed. It means being extra proactive - take the chance to make connections, follow up on opportunities to talk to people. Volunteer or ask around for jobs. If companies have team chat channels, get involved. If there's an optional meeting on Zoom, join in. Make it your mission to be visible.'
  • A lack of self-discipline- if you struggle to stay motivated completing online experience may be a challenge.
  • Lack of confidence- because you haven't met your colleagues in person, asking questions and putting yourself forward in meetings may feel awkward. This can also make it harder to ask for help if you're struggling.
  • Communication issues- the quality of your virtual experience will hinge on how good the organisation is at keeping in touch.
  • False opportunities- as virtual internships are arranged and completed online there's a risk of being duped by false opportunities. It's therefore essential that you do your research before applying and be especially careful when applying for an overseas internship.

How do I make the most of a virtual internship?

To get the most out of your experience:

  • Set clear boundaries and create a routine- stick to set hours (regular office hours are best if these suit your circumstances), create a professional space to work from, ideally a desk or table and dress the part every day.
  • Keep in touch- frequently check in with your manager and teammates.
  • Don't be afraid to raise your hand- metaphorically speaking. Ask questions, seek advice and be open to guidance. Also, don't shy away from asking for more work to do if you run out.
  • Join in- take part in any networking or social events, as the contacts you make now may prove useful in the future.
  • Keep track of your achievements- without the structure of a face-to-face internship it's easy to lose track of the tasks you've completed. Make a note of the things you've done and the skills you've developed, as these will prove useful for future applications and interviews.
  • Ask for feedback- internships, not matter how they're completed, are learning curves so it's important to ask your employer and colleagues for feedback on your performance. It'll help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and improve where necessary.

What if I can't get online experience?

Don't worry. In light of the pandemic, employers are well aware of the difficulties that students and graduates are facing in trying to obtain relevant work experience. If you struggle to complete an internship, recruiters are unlikely to hold it against you. However, there are still a number of things that you can do toboost your employability, so don't sit idle.

Anyone can volunteer and this is often a great way to gain work experience if you're struggling to get a place on a formal internship programme.

Find out more

  • Search for work experience.
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FAQs

Does virtual experience count as work experience? ›

Yes! After you complete each Virtual Work Experience Program, you can add the experience to your CV/Resume.

Are virtual work experience worth it? ›

Most of the virtual work experience opportunities you come across will be excellent, but don't assume that they all are. Before you commit yourself, sign anything or hand over money, do your own research. If the answers to your questions are vague or unsatisfactory you may want to reconsider your choice.

How long does Barclays virtual work experience take? ›

The tool should take approximately 20 mins to complete however there are lots of tips spread throughout that would be useful to check out as you go.

How do I add virtual work experience to my CV? ›

Here are 6 things to keep in mind to highlight your virtual internship on a resume:
  1. Use data to demonstrate success. ...
  2. Identify hard skills. ...
  3. Highlight communication. ...
  4. Focus on projects and impact. ...
  5. Think about what makes your internship unique. ...
  6. Mention all the critical information. ...
  7. 10 reasons why your resume landed in the trash.
Apr 23, 2021

Can you put virtual work experience on personal statement? ›

Writing about your online experiences and reflecting on them in your personal statement will help demonstrate your passion and dedication for your chosen subject and course.

Do remote internships look good on a resume? ›

Absolutely, since any type of internship experience can prove valuable for your future. A remote internship program will enable you to acquire real-world skills, work experience that will bolster your resume and professional connections that may even lead to a job upon graduation.

Can you put virtual work experience UCAS? ›

Virtual work experience is now something that we see in almost every medical school application. Medical virtual work experience, which used to be something that would set applicants apart, has now virtually become a requirement in producing a competitive UCAS application.

Is it easy to get hired as a virtual assistant? ›

Thankfully, the job is well known and popular, so it's never been easier. Create your profile and resume and then start looking for companies who need help. It really is that simple because the demand for a high-quality VA is remarkably high.

What are the pros and cons of virtual internships? ›

Online Internships Pros and Cons
  • Location: As one may be able to tell from its name, online internships, are done, ahem, remotely. ...
  • Flexible Time: ...
  • Independence. ...
  • Gain New Skills. ...
  • Cost-Effective. ...
  • But what about the Cons? ...
  • Feeling Disconnected. ...
  • Miscommunication.
May 5, 2022

Is it hard to get into Barclays? ›

63% of job seekers rate their interview experience at Barclays as positive. Candidates give an average difficulty score of 3.1 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) for their job interview at Barclays. How do employees rate the business outlook for Barclays?

Is Barclays hard to get approved for? ›

Your Barclaycard approval odds largely depend on your credit score, income, and debt. All Barclays credit cards require a minimum credit score of either 700 or 750 for approval. This means you need either good or excellent credit to get approved for a Barclaycard.

What amount of salary is possible in Barclays? ›

The highest-paying job at Barclays is a Director with a salary of ₹84.5 Lakhs per year. The top 10% of employees earn more than ₹28.84 lakhs per year. The top 1% earn more than a whopping ₹51 lakhs per year.

Is JP Morgan virtual internship worth it? ›

It's always referred to as a 'virtual experience program'. While it may not be the internship it initially claims, it's worthwhile as a certificate. The program doesn't take long to finish (less than a week), and you have a legit certificate with your name alongside a reputable company like JPMorgan Chase.

How do I add work experience if I have none? ›

You can create a killer no-experience resume by emphasizing your education instead. Include relevant internships, soft & hard skills, and projects. Other sections you can include on your resume are hobbies & interests, languages, certifications, or achievements.

What to say on a CV if you have no experience? ›

How to Write a Great CV with No Work Experience
  1. Identify your most impressive qualities. via GIPHY. ...
  2. Open with a personal statement. via GIPHY. ...
  3. List skills rather than roles. via GIPHY. ...
  4. Don't forget “obvious” skills. via GIPHY. ...
  5. Treat your extra-curricular activities like jobs. via GIPHY. ...
  6. Play up your degree. ...
  7. Add some personality.

What happens if you lie about work experience on personal statement? ›

If you lie on your personal statement, then your application becomes fraudulent. If you get caught out in the lie as described above, you could lose your offer (or place).

What phrases to avoid in a personal statement? ›

Here are just some overused phrases to avoid using in your personal statement:
  • From a young age…
  • For as long as I can remember…
  • I am applying for this course because…
  • I have always been interested in…
  • Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…

Do interns get rejected? ›

Internship rejection is pretty much inevitable. Most people will experience it at least once if they are putting themselves out there. You just don't hear people talk about the rejections as much as they do the wins. It's kind of like dating, you win some and you learn some.

What are the chances of getting hired after an internship? ›

56% of all interns in the United States have accepted job offers from the company they interned for. An additional 14% of all interns in the U.S. are given a part-time job offer after completing their internship. 80% of interns who are extended job offers at the company where they interned accept them.

Does GPA matter when getting an internship? ›

A strong GPA can help you secure an internship in college. Internships are important because they give you hands-on experience in your chosen field. Because paid and unpaid internships are highly competitive, prospective programs often screen candidates using GPA.

Can I get admission in UK without work experience? ›

If you have recently graduated and wish to study an MBA, but have no relevant work experience, you can apply to certain UK universities and business schools which offer MBA without work experience.

What is NHS virtual work experience? ›

During these live webinars you'll meet NHS professionals and have the opportunity to ask them questions and learn about their day to day work. You'll learn about different areas of NHS work and the skills and qualifications needed to undertake these roles.

Is it better to apply through UCAS or directly? ›

Applying through their own system instead of going through UCAS can be beneficial and have many advantages including: Quicker response time on the decision of your application. More affordable (Most are free!)

What are the disadvantages of becoming a virtual assistant? ›

THE CONS OF BEING A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT (AKA WHAT I STRUGGLE WITH)
  • Working from home can be distracting. Dishes, my doggies, life in general, can be distracting and throw me off track. ...
  • Sometimes I'd rather be doing something else. ...
  • I don't get paid vacations. ...
  • I have to do mundane business tasks, like paying taxes.

What are the top 5 virtual assistants? ›

The Best Virtual Assistant Services of 2023
  • Fancy Hands: Best for Quick Requests.
  • Time etc: Best for Entrepreneurs.
  • Uassist.ME: Best for Bilingual.
  • Prialto: Best for Large Teams.
  • WoodBows: Best for Customer Satisfaction.
Jan 10, 2023

Are virtual assistants in high demand? ›

Virtual assistants are in high demand because, with remote workers, there is less churn. And if a virtual assistant does step away, it is typically less costly to replace them with someone with a similar set of skills than it is to replace a traditional employee.

How valuable is virtual internship? ›

In such situations, they can access the options that are far off and successful without costing much on the pocket. Virtual internships foster flexible timings for candidates as well as employers. Candidates can arrange the training in such a way that he doesn't have to bargain on studies or other essential activities.

What is the disadvantage of online internship? ›

3 The cons of a virtual internship

there might be a lack of structure and support. there might be less job training and guidance. you won't experience the office environment. you will have to be more self-motivating.

What are the challenges in virtual internship? ›

Below, there is a list of potential challenges you might encounter during your online internship and the tips that could help you to deal with them.
  • Misunderstanding between co- interns. ...
  • Lack of motivation. ...
  • Disorganisation. ...
  • Distractions. ...
  • Inductions. ...
  • Loneliness.

Is Barclays Bank prestigious? ›

Barclays is one of the most influential banks on Wall Street. It's part of the investment banking bulge bracket, and has major M&A, equity, and debt units, which regularly work on landmark deals. It also has strong retail banking and wealth management units, and serves 48 million clients worldwide.

Does Barclays UK sponsor visa? ›

Candidates who do not have a current right to work in the UK, or who will require visa sponsorship from Barclays are not precluded from applying to internship and graduate opportunities.

How many rounds of interviews does Barclays have? ›

Barclays interview process usually has 4 rounds.

What is the easiest Barclaycard to get approved for? ›

The easiest Barclays credit card to get is likely to be a co-branded card such as the Wyndham Credit Card or the Lufthansa Credit Card. All Barclays credit cards require at least good credit for approval, though co-branded cards tend to be a bit easier to get than other credit cards for people with good credit.

Is Barclays interview difficult? ›

Congratulations on getting a Barclays Interview. We can all agree interviews are stressful and competition is intense. However, with a small amount of preparation, you can ace the Barclays job interview.

What FICO score does Barclays use? ›

Barclaycard works almost exclusively with TransUnion, so that report is the one to focus on. Ideally, anything you do to improve your credit score with one bureau will improve your score will every bureau.

How much does a VP make at Barclays? ›

How much does a Vice President make at Barclays in the United States? Average Barclays Vice President yearly pay in the United States is approximately $161,752, which is 9% above the national average.

What bank pays the most salary? ›

Top companies for Bankers in United States
  • Citi. 3.9 $50.97per hour. 18,886 reviews11 salaries reported.
  • FirstBank & Trust. 3.8 $40.59per hour. 36 reviews6 salaries reported.
  • Adams Bank and Trust. 3.5 $35.13per hour. 6 reviews32 salaries reported.
  • KeyBank. 3.5 $27.11per hour. ...
  • DISYS. 3.5 $25.57per hour. ...
  • Show more companies.

How many vacation days does Barclays offer? ›

Paid vacation
No paid vacation days17%
1-5 days9%
6-9 days6%
10-20 days37%
21-30 days30%
1 more row

What can I put instead of work experience? ›

Internships, extracurricular activities, projects, volunteer work (These sections will replace your work experience) Skills.

What is classed as work experience? ›

Work experience is any time spent in a work environment, in any sector, learning new skills on the job and gaining first-hand, real-world experience. Remember, work experience isn't just for students or young people but can be beneficial for people of all ages and backgrounds.

What counts as prior work experience? ›

The work experience section or employment history is a detailed summary of your past work experience. In other words, a comprehensible report of all jobs you've held in the past. Depending on your background, you can include full-time positions, part-time jobs, temporary roles, internships, or even volunteer work.

How many years of work experience is equivalent to a degree? ›

A bachelor's degree is roughly equivalent to four to eight years of work experience in a related field. A master's degree is roughly equivalent to 10 or more years of work experience in a related field.

Does freelance count as work experience? ›

The short answer is yes! You can — and should — add self-employment experience to your resume! Self-employment and other forms of freelance work are great additions to your resume, especially for anyone who's dealing with employment gaps in their work history.

Does work experience count as UCAS? ›

Employment. You can list up to five paid jobs in this section, including both full-time and part-time work. This isn't the place to mention volunteering or unpaid work experience, which you should cover in your personal statement.

Do you legally have to do work experience? ›

There is no legal obligation to do so, but a written agreement will help clarify what is expected of both parties and may be useful to refer to if any misunderstandings arise. It should cover things like payment, expenses, working hours and learning objectives.

What should I say if I have no experience? ›

Using your own words, try something along the lines of: "I am interested in an entry-level position. I know I have much to learn, and I'm looking for an opportunity that will let me build a solid professional foundation.

How do you convince an employer to hire you with no experience? ›

Here are a few tips to get your foot in the door.
  1. Don't Draw Attention to Your Lack of Skills or Experience. ...
  2. Showcase What Sets You Apart. ...
  3. Take a Risk. ...
  4. Do Everything Else Right.
Jun 19, 2020

How can I prove my work experience in the UK? ›

You can ask HM Revenue and Customs ( HMRC ) for a record of your employment history, for example if you're: making a compensation claim (for example for an industrial injury, road traffic accident or medical negligence claim)

What happens if I don't get a placement in UK? ›

If you've failed to secure a work placement, the first thing you should do is speak to your university. If a placement is a compulsory part of your course, the university should have staff on hand to help you through every step of the process. That includes if and when things go wrong.

Do you get paid for work experience UK? ›

Someone doing work experience or an internship has the right to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage, unless they're a student: on a placement during a higher education course.

Is it illegal to lie about previous job experience? ›

Lying on a resume, cover letter, or job application isn't technically illegal. These forms aren't legal documents, so usually you can't get prosecuted for lying on them. However, if you falsify documents that “back up” claims of educational history, for example, that could be grounds for trouble with the law.

Can jobs see your past work experience? ›

The simple answer is no. A background check cannot return a list or database of the jobs that a professional has held over the years. Most pre-employment background check services are geared toward uncovering public record information, such as criminal record information, driving records, and credit history.

What jobs should I not put on my resume? ›

Employers are generally only interested in the last five to ten years of your work history. If your recent positions contain consecutive, relevant positions, employers will not be concerned about jobs in the distant past. They add no weight to your resume.

Videos

1. Radiology - virtual work experience session
(Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Trust)
2. Virtual Work Experience for Employers | Springpod.com
(Springpod)
3. Propace Virtual Work Experience Welcome Video
(Propace Consulting)
4. How to Get Virtual Work Experience for Biomedical Science and Medicine | Atousa
(Atousa)
5. Occupational Therapy - virtual work experience session
(Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Trust)
6. Widening participation to medicine through virtual work experience
(Brighton and Sussex Medical School)
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