Creating win-win-win experiences: When do virtual internships really work?

Abstract

Virtual internships, “real experience in a virtual world”, have been showing up on the resumes of students, at first primarily with information technology and software startup companies, but more recently with a growing number of businesses and organisations that want self-reliant interns who are comfortable with Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) such as web conferences, blogs, and social media. Those who have participated in virtual internships from the employer, student, or educator vantage point agree the best way to ensure everyone wins is for all parties to understand the pros and cons of the exchange and to create a virtual workplace that works - for everyone.