Virtual work experience

Virtual work experience, also referred to as online, remote or digital experience, provides the opportunity to gain experience from home. Virtual work experience can help you to develop your skills, boost your employability and explore new industries and job roles.

Most virtual work experiences range from a few hours to a few days, but some may last longer depending on the nature of the work experience.

Forage

Forage is an online resource which offers virtual experience programmes designed by leading companies. Develop your skills and gain a real understanding of different roles and sectors by working through these self-paced modules, with tasks similar to those you would undertake during a traditional internship.

What does it involve?

  • You will work through a series of resources and hypothetical tasks that are designed to simulate the sort of work you would undertake as an intern or a graduate employee at the organisation. It's a unique opportunity for you to try out a career at your own pace and in your own time, from the comfort of your home.
  • It takes five to six hours to complete one programme and you can complete as many programmes as you like. All experiences are completely free of charge for students and graduates from The University of Manchester.

Programmes include:

  • Video instructions and real life examples from employees within your chosen organisation
  • Work that reflects real day-to-day tasks of interns and graduates
  • Curated resources to help you complete the tasks

What are the benefits?

  • Sample what real life work at leading companies would be like
  • Try out different types of work and discover which career path is right for you
  • Build confidence and gain skills to get you ready for the workplace
  • Boost your CV with a company-branded virtual internship and get a personalised certificate for your LinkedIn profile

How can I take part?

There are no lengthy application processes as programmes are free and accessible to all students and graduates. Simply pick your programme, create an account on the Forage website and get started right away.

Bright Network

Bright Network is bringing together world leading employers and top educators for a series of virtual experiences. Open to students and recent graduates, it’s your opportunity to discover career paths, hear from employers and boost your employability.

There are internship experiences in six sectors available for completion in your own time between 14th December 2020 and 5th January 2021.

For more information and details of how to apply, visit the Bright Network website.

Other virtual opportunities

Some companies (e.g. The Intern Group, Virtual Internships and Pagoda Projects) facilitate overseas virtual internships, finding relevant experience for you in specific locations. However, most of these organisations charge a fee. In some cases, the fee for overseas virtual internships can be substantial so you must be sure that it is the right decision for you and your career before you decide to invest. We strongly advise you to conduct your own research and make an informed decision before taking up one of these opportunities.

  • You can search for paid work-from-home opportunities on CareerConnect
  • For more information about virtual work experience opportunities and whether they are right for you, read this Guide to Virtual Internships by RateMyPlacement.