Find out what is virtual work experience and read our top tips. What is a virtual work experience?A virtual work experience is an experience that takes place entirely online using a computer or tablet device. It is not an experience where you are employed and work remotely or from home when you would normally be working on an organisation’s premises.Work experience is a flexible term which refers to some form of temporary work placement with the purpose of gaining experience and insight into an area of work. This can include paid employment, internships, placements, volunteering, insights to work and entrepreneurial activity.TerminologyThere is a lot of variety in terms of the type of virtual experience and support offered and the commitment required from you (both in terms of time and financially). There is also a wide variety of support offered to you by these providers. Additionally, sometimes the terminology used by providers for the type of experience being offered would not match terminology we use or you may use.Terminology used by providers:Internship experienceOnline internshipVirtual work or internship experience/placementRemote internships/work experienceWe would suggest the following definitions for some of the most common types of virtual experience that are available:Virtual internship:At least a few weeks in durationPaidUsually has a lengthy application processTraining and development is provided throughout the internshipFeedback and support is provided by your employer or providerInternship is focused on a specific project which will support the employerExample: Pagoda Projects offer virtual internships such as ‘Marketing intern’ or ‘User Experience Researcher’ Pagoda ProjectsVirtual work experience:Usually last for a short period of timeCan be unpaidDesigned to provide experience of the workplaceCan involve working on a number of tasksFeedback and support is provided by employer or providerEg: Workfinder with work projects for 2 weeks, support and guidance offered from host organisations WorkfinderVirtual career insights:No face-to-face interaction with employers, often contact is through pre-recorded videoVery short term, usually a few hoursLittle to no feedback is given from employer or providerExample: Forage (formerly Inside Sherpa) with pre-recorded videos from employers with no interaction. We would not advertise these types of opportunities as work experience. ForagePlease note these are only our suggestions; it’s ultimately up to you to decide if you are happy that the type of experience being offered is at the level you would expect. We have also simply included examples of different providers and do not necessarily endorse these - again it is up to you to decide if you would like to undertake these opportunities. We have provided you some guidance to help with this below.Questions to ask before signing up to/applying for a virtual work experienceMost 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. Ultimately, however, it is for you to decide – based on your research – whether the opportunity will meet your requirements.The organisationAbout themIs the role advertised by the organisation you will have the experience with or is it a third party?How professional is their website and social media?Is there a named contact on the website?What is the ultimate goal of the provider and how does this link to your own values?What is the main purpose of the provider? Their reputation:How long have they been running programmes?Look for up to date student testimonials, especially from Alumni or students from other universities, search on the internet as well as look at the providers' websiteThe experienceFeesWhat costs are involved (if any) and is it easy to find out?Is there a refund policy?Is it good value for money? BenefitsIs it clear what skills, work experience and benefits you will be gaining?Do you agree that the level of experience being offered matches what the provider claims (see our suggested definitions above)?Type of ExperienceWill you be working independently or in a project with other students?Will you have direct contact/feedback from an employer?Is it a stand-alone project or is it part of a bigger recruitment opportunity?Do you have to apply to it or just sign up?YouSupportWhat support is offered to you pre, during and after your experience? Look for both practical support (e.g. if you have an issue) and developmental (e.g. training and skills workshops).Are you required to have a visa? What right to work documentation will you need to provide on application? TimeIs it easy to find how much time you will have to commit?Will you be able to balance this opportunity with your other in-person and online commitments, at and outside of the University?FutureWould you be happy with putting this experience on your CV and talking to a future employer about it? Three Golden RulesMake sure you understand, and are comfortable with, all the costs associated with the opportunity. Before handing over any money, get everything in writing.Make sure you are happy that the experience you will gain is worth the time and any financial commitment you will have to make.Look for feedback. If still in doubt, ask the Careers Service if they have come across the organisation before.Advice on working remotelyFor some guidance on how to make the most of a virtual work experience, read these top tips for working from home from one of our students, as well as our blog on making the most of virtual internships.Top tips for working from home (Inform.ed Blog)How to shine at your online internship (Inform.ed Blog)Opportunities on MyCareerHubThe organisations/providers advertising on MyCareerHub meet the Careers Service’s minimum standards. These standards are intended to provide assurance that the provider is legitimate and that the policies and any opportunity costs are clearly explained. We check:that we have a legitimate point of contact in the businesswhat the students employment status would beif there are any costs involved and what these arewhat the pay is.Unless we have reason to believe a provider is not legitimate, we will advertise the role on their behalf. It is up to you to reach your own conclusion about whether the opportunity offered is right for you. This article was published on 2024-05-14
