NEWS

Virtual offices open the door for graduate internships

Ever thought of becoming an intern from the comfort of your own home? Now you can. Thanks to the virtual office way of thinking, a new 'virtual internship' trend is gathering pace across the US.

New work opportunities are opening up for graduates, thanks to virtual internships

Here at officebroker.com we know that a virtual office can provide a welcome boost to help small businesses get off the ground.

The nature of the virtual office means it is cost-effective to businesses, but still provides many workplace benefits such as a prestigious business address, phone call answering service, and meeting room hire.

But did you know that virtual working is now helping new graduates to find work?

It has recently come to light that the virtual office has inspired a new working arrangement - virtual internships - that can help graduates, career switchers, or the unemployed get essential work experience from the comfort of their own home.

There are many immediate benefits, as virtual interns are not restricted by location and do not have to suffer a daily commute. Plus this is particularly welcome during a recession, and could help many people get the experience they need to find work, or to further their career.

Virtual internships

Virtual interns work for a company in the same way as any internship. But the difference is that they don't have to be in the office to carry out their daily duties. They don't even have to be in the same country!

This is becoming possible thanks to modern web technology. Many interns rely on web technologies such as email and broadband, and keep in touch with their managers through video-chats, instant messenger and even social media.

For graduates, students and people looking to enter a new industry, virtual internships provide the opportunity to learn valuable new skills without being confined to the office. The nature of virtual working means that interns can potentially be many miles away from their new employer, which opens up new opportunities all over the world.

New York-based Urban Interns is an online marketplace that matches interns with small businesses. Speaking to CNN, co-founder Cari Sommer says that this recent shift in workplace habits is exciting, as it helps break down the barriers of finding work.

"Virtual interns allow business owners to connect with a talent pool that's not in their area. That's especially useful in the small business community, where a lot of organizations don't have the budgets to fly around and hire people."

Start-up businesses benefit from virtual internships

Another major benefit relating to virtual internships is their space and cost-saving advantages, which is especially useful for small and start-up businesses.

Virtual offices can provide an excellent tool for small businesses, and removes the high costs associated with a traditional work environment. However, virtual offices are 'remote' by nature, and many business owners choose to work from home when signing up to a virtual office. For those that wish to employ staff, many will not have the space available to provide an office or desk for their workforce.

This is where virtual interns come in. For those that apply to websites such as Urban Interns, many will have a laptop and a broadband connection and be ready to work from home. Others will have a wireless connection and the technology to work from practically anywhere.

For these interns, the world really is their oyster.

To find out more about becoming a virtual intern, go to Urbaninterns.com. For details of renting a virtual office to help boost your business image, find out more online at officebroker.com, or speak to one of our friendly consultants for free expert advice.