Overview of Virtual Internships

What is the platform Virtual Internship?

Virtual Internships is a platform that businesses and organisations can join to offer internships to students on a global level. As a student you can apply to this platform via your university and complete the application process. When I completed the application process I had to video myself to advertise my interest for businesses and complete the form of interest. When doing the form of interest it enquires the type of experience you want to obtain and ranking where you would like in the world. I did not get the field of law that I had expected but got one of my chosen fields of the Middle East. If you find yourself not getting your preferences keep open minded. Despite me not expecting to do work experience in a commercial firm I have been able to develop so many new skills and completing tasks that I would not have done so. It can help assist you in future applications as well as give you the chance to broaden your career interests.

Completing of Courses

During your time of the internship you will gain access to the Virtual Internship platform. There are a series of courses that can be completed prior to the internship to the finishing of the internship. These courses assist you with building your professional brand, understanding company culture and developing new skills.

During my time of the internship I had successfully completed all fifty of the internship courses. Making notes throughout each of the courses has enabled me to build a bank of resource, as well as supported me in completing the tests at the end of each of the courses. I had benefitted from each of the courses because it had enabled me to learn more about the employable world and how I can differentiate to other candidates. Despite everyone having very similar skills and experience it is important to highlight what you have learnt and why you are suited for the role.

Webinars weekly hosted by professionals

It was optional for you to watch webinars hosted by other professionals on various different topics. If you were unable to watch the web stream live you was able to watch it on replay. The reason why I had benefitted from watching the additional webinars was because it had enabled me to grow my understanding of other sectors. The prime focus of any of the webinars was taking your sector interest internationally, and where possibly virtually. The various types of webinars hosted weekly had enabled you to think about the ones that will directly impact you and how you can take further opportunities.

Coaching Calls

As part of the commitment to do the Virtual Internship you also had two coaching calls. The purpose of this was to help direct you on your career and think about maximising your potential during the internship. You received the call from trained professionals who were able to help you navigate your next stage. It was interesting to attend these calls because it meant that you could receive some direction in transforming your skills to a career. During my calls the focus was upon completing the Bar Course and the next steps to become a barrister. It was also helpful to go over my own thoughts of the process that I wanted to undertake and how possible. They are not specialists in the area of interest, however they are able to assess the steps that you envisage.

You are able to receive coaching support outside of this internship if it was something that you would like to enquire. Through researching online or LinkedIn there are professionals and coachers who can assist you. If coaching is more difficult to obtain than mentoring with an industry professional can help you plan out the next steps.

My experience: Commercial Law Internship in Jordan

Over the Summer Period I had interned at the law firm Beiruti Attorneys & Counselors At Law who are situated in Jordan. This opportunity to gain experience in the Middle East region would not have been made possible without Virtual Internships . I would not have even known how to approach a organisation that is abroad. Therefore I am greatful to be able to take my experience internationally and learn about the legal cultures in another regime. I will be completing a separate series of posts about the skills and tasks developed during my internship at the firm.

When I was thinking about my locations I had always had an interest in the Middle East and Spanish regions. Therefore, it was rather easy in my application to highlight that I wanted to gain some experience in either country. As previously mentioned, despite not getting my chosen legal sector I am incredibly happy that I was able to gain experience in Commercial Law. The theoretical to practical elements of Commercial Law (or any law) differs, therefore I was intrigued to develop skills in a area of law I theoretically did not thrive at. Going into the internship open minded about this area of law and knowing I would put my upmost effort into every task had made it more enjoyable. My confidence in the area of law has significantly risen, as well as understanding more about the importance of skill development. Through the completion of tasks I was able to get a understanding of how Commercial lawyers work on a day to day basis, but also transferring those skills to the Criminal sector. One thing I had enjoyed most out of this experience was being able to see the importance of client care - completing tasks, conducting research and reviewing statutory instruments had enabled me to build a portfolio that was understanding and clear.

Accountability:

Weekly Check In's were required by Virtual Internships to ensure that you were still completing the internship. In completing the check in you had to highlight the tasks of completion, skills learnt and receive feedback from the supervisor for your weeks work. The clear layout of the form had made it easier to differentiate your experience, as well as for reflection know what you had learnt weekly.

One significant thing I had enjoyed about this activity was the documenting of my experience on the internship. I now have a bank of resources for what I had completed weekly, the tasks accomplished as well as feedback from my supervisor. Each week I was able to improve upon my skills, learn new knowledge and keep in constant interaction with my supervisor.

Overall, if you have the opportunity to apply for this work experience I would strongly recommend it! Any questions or discussions of my experience with the platform drop me a message on LinkedIn.

Legal Thoughts - Elicia Maxwell