VICA (Virtual Internship and Career Australia).

Unlock global career opportunities with VICA’s virtual internships. Start gaining valuable experience today!

Overview.

VICA (Virtual Internship and Career Australia)

A virtual internship, or remote internship, allows you to work from anywhere, usually from home. Unlike traditional internships that require you to be onsite, virtual internships use technology to let you complete tasks and projects remotely.

Virtual internships have become increasingly popular in Australia, thanks to advances in technology and the rise of remote work. Interns connect with supervisors and colleagues through online platforms like video calls, email, and chat apps, and complete their tasks using online tools. This flexible approach is ideal for those seeking to gain valuable experience from anywhere.

program detail

Program
Objectives.

For Intern

Gain valuable personal and professional experience through our virtual internships, enhancing your skills and boosting your career prospects.

For Host Partner

Choose the right criteria for hosting virtual internships to ensure a successful and rewarding experience for both your organization and the interns.

Benefit.

Interns gain practical experience, build skills, and expand their network remotely, while host partners enjoy new insights and skilled support on projects. Create a productive partnership that drives mutual growth and success.

For Intern

Here are some key benefits:

Skill Development
Real-world Experience
Networking Opportunities
Career Exploration
Resume Enhancement
Confidence Building
Industry Insights
Professional Development
Employability
References and Recommendations
Industry Connections
Personal Growth
Earn Academic Credit
Stipends or Compensation
Job Offers

For Hosting an Intern

Here are some key benefits:

Access to a Wider Talent Pool
Cost-Effectiveness
Increased Flexibility
Enhanced Productivity
Global Reach
Innovative Approaches
Brand Building
Scalability

Process.

Intern Preparation

Preparing for a virtual internship involves key steps to ensure both the host organization and interns are ready for a successful experience. Here’s a guide to help you get ready:

01

Onboarding and Orientation

Provide a thorough onboarding process to introduce interns to the organization’s culture, values, mission, and team structure. Offer an orientation session covering remote work basics, communication tools, and expectations.
02

Setting Up Technology

Help interns set up the necessary technology and tools they’ll need for remote work. This includes providing access to relevant software, email accounts, project management tools, and communication platforms.
03

Clear Expectations

Clearly communicate the internship’s goals, objectives, and expectations. Outline the scope of their projects, tasks, and deliverables. Make sure they understand their roles and responsibilities.
04

Access to Resources

Ensure that interns have access to any relevant resources, documents, and materials they need to complete their assignments. Provide guidelines for using shared folders or document repositories.
05

Training and Skill Development

Offer training sessions or resources to help interns develop skills related to remote work, communication, time management, and any specific tools or software they will be using.
06

Communication Channels

Establish a clear communication plan that outlines how interns should stay in touch with mentors, supervisors, and team members. Provide guidance on the appropriate use of email, instant messaging, and video conferencing tools.
07

Virtual Team Introduction

Introduce interns to their team members through virtual meetings or video introductions. Encourage team members to reach out and welcome the interns.
08

Mentorship and Support

Assign mentors or supervisors who will guide and support interns throughout their internship. Set up regular check-in meetings to discuss progress, answer questions, and provide feedback.
09

Project Kick-off

Organize a project kick-off meeting where interns can receive detailed information about their assigned projects. Discuss project goals, timelines, and any specific requirements.
10

Goal Setting

Work with interns to set individual learning and project-related goals. This helps them stay focused and motivated throughout the internship.
11

Task Management and Deadlines

Outline a clear process for task management and setting deadlines. Use project management tools to track progress, assign tasks, and monitor project timelines.
12

Performance Evaluation

Clarify how interns will be evaluated during the internship. Define the evaluation criteria and provide information on how performance reviews will be conducted.
13

Continuous Feedback

Encourage open and continuous feedback. Create an environment where interns feel comfortable asking questions, seeking guidance, and sharing their progress.
14

Networking Opportunities

Inform interns about any virtual networking events, webinars, or meetings they can participate in to connect with professionals from different parts of the organization or industry.
15

Remote Work Etiquette

Provide guidelines on remote work etiquette, including appropriate communication hours, professional behaviour in virtual meetings, and maintaining a productive remote workspace.
16

Health and Well-Being

Highlight the importance of work-life balance and taking breaks. Offer resources or tips for maintaining mental and physical well-being while working remotely.
17

Troubleshooting and Support

Ensure that interns know who to contact in case they encounter technical issues, communication challenges, or any other problems. By taking these steps to prepare interns for their virtual internship, you create a supportive and organized environment that maximizes their learning and contribution to the organization’s goals.

Host Preparation

Preparing for a virtual internship involves key steps to ensure both the host organization and interns are ready for a successful experience. Here’s a guide to help you get ready:

01

Define Internship Goals and Objectives

Clearly outline the goals and objectives of your virtual internship program. Identify the skills and experiences you want interns to gain during their time with your organization.
02

Design Internship Structure

Create a well-structured internship program that includes a clear schedule, roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Define the tasks and projects interns will work on.
03

Select Internship Projects

Choose projects that align with your organization’s needs and provide valuable learning opportunities for interns. Ensure that the projects are achievable within the internship duration.
04

Create Internship Materials

Prepare detailed project briefs, guidelines, and resources for interns. These materials should include project descriptions, objectives, deliverables, and any necessary tools or software.
05

Develop Communication Channels

Set up communication platforms for interns to interact with each other, mentors, and supervisors. Use tools like video conferencing, messaging apps, and project management software.
06

Choose Collaboration Tools

Select collaboration tools that enable seamless remote teamwork, such as document sharing platforms (Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365), project management tools (Trello, Asana), and communication tools (Slack, Microsoft Teams).
07

Establish Mentorship and Supervision

Assign mentors or supervisors to guide and support interns throughout the program. Ensure that mentors are available for regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and guidance.
08

Provide Training and Onboarding

Conduct a virtual onboarding session to introduce interns to your organization’s culture, values, and processes. Provide training on using relevant tools and software.
09

Set Up Intern Progress Tracking

Implement a system for tracking interns’ progress, tasks, and milestones. This could include regular updates, project status reports, or tracking within project management software.
10

Plan Regular Check-Ins

Schedule regular one-on-one meetings between mentors/supervisors and interns to discuss progress, address questions, provide feedback, and ensure that interns are on track.
11

Offer Learning Opportunities

Organize virtual workshops, webinars, and training sessions for interns to enhance their skills and industry knowledge. Invite guest speakers or internal experts to share insights.
12

Foster Virtual Interaction

Encourage interns to collaborate virtually by organizing virtual coffee breaks, team-building activities, and knowledge-sharing sessions. This fosters a sense of community despite the remote setting.
13

Provide Feedback Mechanisms

Establish a process for providing constructive feedback to interns. Regularly evaluate their performance and offer guidance for improvement.
14

Recognize Achievements

Acknowledge interns’ accomplishments and contributions at the end of the program. Consider certificates, letters of recommendation, or a virtual closing event.
15

Seek Intern Feedback

After the internship ends, gather feedback from interns about their experience. Use this feedback to improve future iterations of the virtual internship program.
16

Continuous Improvement

Regularly review and analyze the effectiveness of your virtual internship program. Make adjustments based on feedback and lessons learned to enhance future iterations.

Similarities & Differences.

Comparing Virtual and In-Person Internships

Take a closer look at what you can expect from virtual and in-person internships. Both formats offer valuable experiences, but they come with unique aspects that can impact your internship journey.

Similarities

Similarities between Virtual Internship and In-Person Internship

  • You will have a designated host company supervisor to report to.
  • Career guidance and feedback from supervisors and employees are given continuously.
  • Project-based tasks and responsibilities are assigned to you per the internship training plan.
  • Be part of a team by participating in meetings and online working platforms.

Differences

Differences between Virtual Internship and In-Person Internship

  • Relationships will be entirely online.
  • The work schedule is different and flexible.
  • Methods of communication will be emphasized through online platforms (Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype).
  • Save money without travel and visa costs.

Prospect Area.

Virtual internships offer flexible and diverse roles to match your career aspirations. Explore a range of opportunities across various fields.
Digital Marketing
Digital Marketing
Human Capital
Human Capital
Finances
Finances
IT Project Management
IT Project Management
Web Developer
Web Developer
Full Stack Developer
Full Stack Developer
Customer Services
Customer Services
Public Relation
Public Relation
Graphic Design
Graphic Design

Frequently Asked Question.

Find answers to common key concerns and provides clear information on how virtual internships work, what to expect, and how to get started.

01

What are virtual internships?

Virtual internships are internships that are done online or remotely and offer a great deal of flexibility and remove the necessity of having to live in a certain geographical location. Interns get placed with a company and will work under the supervision of a mentor in real projects via virtual methods.

02

What are the benefits of a virtual internship?

  • A virtual internship is a great way to start your career, improve your skills, be involved in real projects and receive mentorship of experienced professionals
  • Flexible working hours
  • No restriction on locations
  • Develop the organizational and IT skills required for success in remote locations
  • Build relationship skills essential for remote working arrangements
  • Improve your communication skills
  • Expand your network and make connections with renowned Australian companies
03

What is the eligibility for the program?

  • Aged 18-35 - The internship field requested is directly related to your educational background
  • Currently enrolled in a tertiary course (bachelor degree or above), or
  • A recent graduate (bachelor degree or above)
  • Upper intermediate – advanced English language skills (equivalent to IELTS 5.5)
04

In what fields is the virtual internship available?

Virtual Internships are available in Marketing, Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Events Management, IT, Business, Architecture, Graphic Design, Public Relations, Journalism and many others.

05

What if my Internship field in not listed here?

Please contact us with your request – we are happy to consider alternative fields.

06

Will I be paid for the Internship?

The vast majority of the Virtual Internships are unpaid, but some host organisations may offer a stipend.

07

In what type of company will I be placed?

Australian Internships works with different types of organisations in all possible industries. Those companies can be small, medium or large, international or national. We work with public and private companies as well as government bodies.

08

How will I communicate with the Host Organization?

Interns will be in regular contact with the host organisation via email, phone and video conference tools such as Skype, Zoom, Microsoft teams and other similar tools.

09

What if I am not a native English speaker?

You will need sufficient English skills to be able to perform your duties and benefit from the program. Evidence of English language level equivalent to IELTS 5.5 is required. You will limit your learning and opportunities if you do not have sufficient English. Australian Internships advise applicants with limited English to complete English Language Studies prior to the internship commencement.

10

How long the internship lasts for?

To ensure you gain relevant work experience from the program we have a minimum period of six weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks. Australian Internships will negotiate the duration of your internship to suit your request.

11

Will this lead to permanent employment?

There is no guarantee of permanent employment after the internship. It depends on your performance during the internship and the resourcing needs of the company. AI encourages you to see the internship as an initial step in your professional journey.

12

Can I get academic credit?

Yes, many of our interns complete the practical requirement of their academic studies and gain credit for their internship completed in Australia. Please advise Australian Internships if you wish to gain academic credit for the internship.

We ask that applicants seeking credit for academic studies supply all of the necessary documentation with their application. The team at Australian Internships will liaise with representatives from your university or college, if required, to ensure that all of the necessary academic documentation is completed and satisfactory.

13

How long will it take to arrange my Internship?

Australian Internships advises that you allow a minimum of 1 to 2 months to make the necessary arrangements for the internship and visa processing.

14

Do I need a Visa?

No. Because this is a Virtual Internship you do not need to obtain an Australian Visa. You are allowed to intern from anywhere in the world, as long as you have the necessary equipment and stable internet connection.