• To Shake or Not to Shake
• Avoiding Job Scams + Career Tips for YOU
• Navigating Your Future: Job Search Resources during COVID-19
• Remote Work + Virtual Interview Resources
• Career Connections with Wesleyan Alumnae
• PDE 400 Overview and How We Can Help
• Graduate School 101
• Resiliency
• How a Research Project Strengthens Your Professional Development
• CCD Student Resources for 2020-21
• How to Find a Internship Experience for Summer 2021
• How to Find a Research Experience for Summer 2021

What are virtual internships?

“Virtual internships are internships that are done online or remotely. You are placed with a company, and have a supervisor that you report to. You are in regular contact with the supervisor/team via virtual methods such as video call, phone call, email and instant messenger.” [Source: https://virtualinternships.com/faqs/] 

What are the benefits of a virtual internship?

1. Provides you a learning experience in a safe environment.
2. You can develop technology-based skills, such as online communication and management.
3. It is an option for those who cannot afford relocation expenses for an internship.
4. “Virtual work experience attracts employees who take initiative, have aspirational career goals, and don’t need a lot of oversight. Moreover, online projects allow early-career talent to hone their communication skills and master time management. In fact, studies have shown that remote work can boost productivity by allowing team members to work more efficiently.” [Source: Nace Community Blog- Jeffrey Moss] 

What skills can I gain with a virtual internship?

Great question! With all internships, you want to make sure you’re learning transferable skills that will help you in your career. Some of the key skills that come from virtual internships are:

1. Change management
2. Data-informed decision making
3. Professional communication

Do these sound familiar? Hopefully so! They are three of Wesleyan’s “From Here to Career” Skills. 

How can I find a virtual internship?

There are several ways that you can search for a virtual internship. The CCD will be working with employers who are interested in hosting a virtual intern. These positions will be posted on Purple Briefcase.

There are several online boards that include virtual/remote internships. Some examples are:

Internships.com
WeWorkRemotely.com

Virtual internships must meet these criteria in order to qualify for academic credit:

• You will have a supervisor that provides consistent feedback.
• You must be assigned project-based assignments, professional responsibilities, and learning-oriented work that contributes to the organization’s goals and helps you build professional skills.
• The internship relates to your future career plans, and gives you the opportunity to apply academic knowledge to a professional setting.

Virtual Internship Best Practices Checklist:

• Set a schedule and stick to it
• Create a task list and refer to it throughout the day
• Check-in with your supervisor consistently
• Take breaks and move around throughout the day

[Source: Eastern Washington University]

• Common Job Scams and How to Avoid Them
• College Recruiter’s Video Playlist- Working Remotely
• LinkedIn’s Learning Blog- Working Remote Resources

Career preparation should not start in your senior year. Lay the groundwork now to ensure that you are successful later. Engage in student life through Wesleyan's variety of clubs and activities, and acquaint yourself with resources on campus. 

• Complete the Focus2 Assessment (during WISe)
• Activate your Purple Briefcase account & explore its resources (during WISe)
• Explore majors, minors, and different career paths
• Familiarize yourself with CCD resources & attend at least one CCD event
• Get involved with at least one organization on campus or in the community

Your sophomore year should be about taking initiative and getting ahead of the game. Explore and declare a major, participate in campus events, and build transferable skills by taking on a leadership role in a club or organization. Begin researching what is needed for your desired career path, and make sure you are on track to be successful.

• Set up a meeting with the CCD to review your resume and begin your LinkedIn profile
• Meet with your faculty advisor for your major to discuss curriculum requirements
• Participate in at least one CCD event each semester
• Explore options for part-time jobs, internships, and professional development experiences

Your junior year is a crucial time in planning for employment or graduate school after graduation. By the end of the year you will likely have completed a professional development experience, and further clarified your desired path after graduation. Keep up with your co-curriculars and document them on your resume/LinkedIn, and your senior year will be smooth sailing!

• Set up a meeting with the CCD to complete a strategic career plan and mock interview
• Complete an internship or other professional development experience
• Enroll in a Professional Practice Seminar to prepare for your next career steps
• Build your network through alumnae and CCD events
• Participate in at least one CCD event each semester
• Learn more about graduate programs in your field and prepare for any testing

Your final year at Wesleyan should be focused on solidifying your plans and understanding your professional and financial responsibilities post-graduation. Be sure to check in frequently with both the CCD and your faculty advisor to ensure you are on track.

• Set up a meeting with the CCD to complete a senior check-in appointment
• In the fall, complete your graduation audit with the registrar
• Identify and articulate transferable skills gained through your leadership
• Continue to build your network and transition into the alumnae association