Remote Internships in today’s digital era

Traditionally, internships provide the opportunity to bridge the gap between education and professional worlds, taking a more holistic view to learning, and are designed to make the transition from academic life to a career smoother.

But, with Generation Y growing up connected, learning and socialising via computer technology and digital devices, adapting to a mobile way of living, it comes as no surprise that the idea of ‘work’ is changing for a lot of people.

Zopiatis et al. (2012) found that occupational characteristics of Generation Y’s are different to other generations of workers, challenging workplace norms with a preference for change. They consider individual development to be really important, looking for managers to empower them. This is in line with remote working, which is being paved as the way forward, with a survey suggesting that 9 in 10 UK professionals believe flexible working will be the most common employment in the near future (Russell, 2013). We live in an age where remote working is easier and more effective than ever, and with this soon becoming the norm.

The next generation will therefore be more prepared to deal with the realities of future employment if they start working remotely now, using their phones and PC’s to gain entry into the world of work.

In an increasingly virtual world, where technology is used in business as a collaboration tool to facilitate the existence of a global marketplace, todays networked business environments are more commonly using collaboration through virtual platforms and tools. A virtual, or remote internship provides student with the chance to gain work experience without physically being in the company’s office. Instead, interns stay connected on assignments utilising technology such as Skype, email, and cloud software. Students often lack a high-level of experience of online working provided in their education and professional development, including professional skills and ICT competence, and virtual cooperation, which is why placements are ideal.

Whilst new to the marketplace, there is now a growing demand for virtual and remote placements as a means of graduates, student and school leavers to gain practical experience whilst balancing their busy lives.

Why are business going virtual? There are many benefits to be had through remote placements for both employees and business. Remote internships are innately flexible. Whereas onsite opportunities would require students to make time for an internship within normal business hours, becoming a virtual intern allow employees to work in the comfort of their own home and setting their own working hours, and because of this they accommodate busy students.

This way of working also promotes the development of a critical consciousness, with an understanding of how to reflect on problems in the creation of a learning process cycle, less reliant on a frequent and direct supervision, and exhibit a high level of independence. They also allow students to broaden their network, with the opportunity to network with a spectrum of professional in their field not restricted by location.

This is convenient for businesses too, as they maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace. Not only can they access a larger applicant pool as location is no longer a factor when hiring interns, this can also be more cost-effective for your business. Taking internships virtual will allow your business to make savings as you don't need to allocate office space and equipment, requiring little more than Internet connection to work, and they also eliminate the number of unproductive paid hours of work, keeping payroll costs down. Interns can work under limited supervision, freeing up management with more time to do other things, and also enables students the opportunity to learn how to become self-motivated and ‘micromanage’ themselves, all essential to future careers.

Chippenham based consultancy, Purpol Marketing, are one of the companies putting this theory to the test. Since 2016, Managing Director, Denise O’Leary, has actively supported local students. Building a successful working relationship with local Bath Spa University and the University of West of England, Denise has now recruited four student interns who are all completing 12 week placements at Purpol. For some this comes as a break during their studies, and for others this is their first full time job upon graduating this summer.

Purpol continue to defy the conventions of a traditional work placement, with all interns based in their own home offices across the South West, using cloud enabled technology to remain connected in remote yet collaborative work. These interns have been getting involved in both Purpol’s marketing and social media activities, and also planned to be incorporated into the bid writing side of the business, helping secure the company more valuable contracts.

This is supplemented with face-to-face team meetings in Chippenham. These have been collaborative, and came just in time for the launch of Purpol’s first online course, Magnificent Marketing. The team hit the ground running, sharing ideas on how to construct a direct marketing campaign used to advertise the new course, and its routes to market, coming together to develop a master strategy and incorporating elements of everyone’s work.

Speaking of the placement thus far, Emily Marks comments “I have experienced so many aspects of marketing in such a short space of time - something I don't think could have happened anywhere else - which is all going to really help to build my CV for the future.” Similarly, Robbie Warren expresses enjoyment in having “independence in the work I produce as well as being able to show my creativity”.

Bronwyn also shares enthusiasm at “the freedom given to us to produce tangible results to Purpol and our clients. I have benefited in the form of self-management skills, supplied through the jobs discretion with how to manage my work”.

“Every single day is different and challenging- in a good way! With the support of Denise and my fellow interns, this internship is becoming one of the best experiences of my time at university.” -Elizabeth Davenport

Denise recognises that although Purpol is home based, there is no reason why they could not provide an internship scheme, and provides great opportunities for them to learn and develop their skills in a practical way, with plans to take on more interns in the future.

Speaking of the internships, Denise comments “I think supplying students with entrepreneurial spirit is really important, and Purpol also benefit in the form of a Millennial perspective in our marketing efforts. This is helping prepare students for the new workplace, making them tech-savvy, self-motivated workers, who harness innovative ideas.

At Purpol we have succeeded with remote internships because we look to provide regular feedback on assignments to show how our interns have progressed. I firmly believe that effective communication between students and mentors is key to overcome the challenges of not being in constant contact with managers.”

Denise O’Leary

Managing Director

Purpol Marketing Limited

Tel        07966 333657

Email   [email protected]

Web    purpolmarketing.co.uk