Current opportunities

What’s a virtual internship?

Just like a 'normal' internship, you will have project work/tasks from an employer to complete over a period of time. However, whilst you will be working with a national or international employer, you will not be based at their location, and instead complete the work remotely or virtually. You will have regular catch-ups and support from the employer during your virtual internship.

For example, last year The University of Birmingham in association with Swinburne University, pioneered and launched the very first virtual internship in the UK where our students completed a 10 week virtual internship from March to May with students in Australia, working 8-10 hours a week to support a social enterprise in India.

The benefit of Virtual Internships is that they are flexible and can take many different forms! This is just one example however we have different versions for you to apply to.

Who can apply?

• Students of all years
• Undergraduates and post graduates – this can vary, so please check each virtual internship job description before applying
• All degree types, unless specified by an employer

When do they take place?

Virtual internships can take place at any time of the year – some can be during autumn term, others spring term and even over the summer. Most of them are part-time to fit alongside studies. There can occasionally be some full-time ones, but these are usually over the summer vacation.

How long are they?

The length can vary, but most are between 4-10 weeks. 

Benefits to students

Job roles are changing to reflect how the world is becoming more 'global' and virtual internships are the perfect way to develop a global mind-set and required skills for the future.  

These are just some of the benefits you get from being a virtual intern (based on feedback from our virtual interns last year):

• Develop your employability skills
• Advance your knowledge and skills on new technology & software (to communicate virtually)
• Develop your initiative and time management
• Increased confidence and resilience
• Inspired further international opportunities
• Help define your career path
• Improved graduate employability
• Accessibility and flexibility – an experience you may otherwise not have had the opportunity to undertake (due to finance, logistics, etc.

Virtual internships sourced just for students at the University of Birmingham

Please note each opportunity is different - some will have a bursary attached, others will be voluntary - please read each job description and ensure you can commit to the opportunity before applying:

• Sands Cox Charity - Web Development/Digital Marketing Virtual Internship
• KETOs (x 3 IT roles) - Front End Developer, Test Automation, Mobile Application Developer

The closing dates for virtual internship roles can vary, please check each job description for further details. 

External virtual internship providers

The following are external providers outside The University of Birmingham offering virtual or remote opportunities. Some may have fees or costs for you to pay - we strongly advise students to conduct their research and make an informed decision before applying:

• Virtual Internships – from same organisation as CRCC Asia, virtual internships focused in Asia across a range of industries – Open for applications now. 

Application process

Each virtual internship has its own application process for students to complete - please see each job role for further details. There is a range of support available from Careers Network to help you. 

Careers Network Support

Careers Network will be running a series of short webinars and developing resources to help students prepare for virtual internships and make most of the experience. Please check back soon for further information.

Case studies

Hear from previous University of Birmingham interns on the benefits doing a virtual internship:

• Jenny Knowles, Research/Marketing Virtual Internship, Ecoexist, India (PDF - 350KB)
• Katherine Maloney, Research/Marketing Virtual Internship, Ecoexist, India (PDF - 426KB)
• Rachel Bromley, Design & Innovation Virtual Internship, Ecoexist, India (PDF - 265KB)
• Julia Hammond, Literary Liaison Virtual Internship, Silk Road Rising, Chicago (PDF - 440KB)

Register your interest

For any questions regarding the Virtual Internships, please contact the team at: internships@contacts.bham.ac.uk

What is a virtual internship?

Just like a 'normal' internship, you will have project work/tasks from an employer to complete over a period of time. However, whilst you will be working with a national or international employer, you will not be based at their location, and instead complete the work remotely or virtually.

Are all virtual internships with international companies?

The majority of virtual internships will be with organisations based overseas, however we are also looking at a range of virtual internships based in the UK

Are the virtual internships in certain sectors/industries?

No, these can vary depending on the company and virtual internships on offer.

When do virtual internships take place?

Virtual internships can take place at any time of the year – some can be during autumn term, others spring term and even over the summer. Most of them are part-time to fit alongside studies. There can occasionally be some full-time ones, but these are usually over the summer vacation.

How long are virtual internships?

The length can vary, but most are between 4 - 16 weeks.

Who can apply?

Most are open to Undergraduates and Postgraduates, but please check each job role to confirm this.

Are virtual internships paid?

This can vary – please check each job role. In most cases, there will be a bursary for students. Alternatively, if they are voluntary, they will be short/part-time to fit alongside studies.