Should You Choose a Remote Internship Over a Postgraduate Degree?

It’s almost cliché to remark that we live in troubled times. The COVID-19 pandemic has torn through global society, disrupting practically everything – travel, work, education.

It’s easy to bury your head in the sand and wait for it to be over. After all, with the rising likelihood of mass vaccination, good news seems to be on the horizon.

But life will carry on in the meantime. And that means a competitive job market full of hungry graduates, all competing for the same scant roles.

And as the job market shrinks, there’s even fewer opportunities than ever before.

That’s not all. Even pre-COVID, university wasn’t all sunshine and roses.

Student satisfaction has been falling for the past few years. And it’s no wonder – among debt, strikes, and a more challenging job market. It seems students are reconsidering whether the university experience has been worth it.

If you’re thinking about university, that may make you stop in your tracks. But that doesn’t have to be a negative thing.

Instead, take this time to change your perspective. Consider it a fantastic opportunity to break the mould and step out of what’s expected of you.

Instead of following the crowd, why not gain some experience that makes you truly stand out?

It’s important to say that gaining a degree or pursuing a Masters or postgraduate degree can be absolutely invaluable. And depending on your career choice, it may even be necessary.

But there’s been an increasing realisation that if students want to maximise their success, they should be planning their careers in as much detail as possible.

Traditionally, that included university. Now, that’s not necessarily part of the equation.

Employers are increasingly looking for something else instead: experience.

A degree can give great academic experience, but students often find themselves having to contort that experience to the job specification.

And many find that when they go into the workplace, they’re missing key skills. Plus, there’s a severe culture shock when they discover it’s nothing like what they’re used to.

Conversely, having had work experience beforehand prepares you more thoroughly for the world of work. You’ll be more productive and focused, able to navigate the busy professional sphere more easily.

After all, what are internships but a way to ease yourself into work? Employers expect you to have minimal experience. So there’s no skill barrier for application – unlike graduate or full professional jobs.

And it’s very much a learning experience. As you sample different parts of the job, you’ll develop a range of skills. As a result, you’ll get a taste for whether the sector’s right for you.

Ultimately, that means you’ll leave ready to jump straight into the world of work.

In interviews, you’ll have specific examples to draw from. And a glowing reference from another employer will speak to your conscientiousness, punctuality, and hard work.

In fact, you can’t go wrong. Many interns go on to be directly hired into full-time roles.

Of course, the aforementioned global pandemic has taken its toll. Where in-person or even international internships were once the norm. Now, workplaces are becoming increasingly digital.

With this new paradigm comes the rise of remote internships – work experience conducted entirely online.

It’s natural to feel some trepidation around remote work. After all, it’s a relatively recent phenomenon.

Some worry that a remote internship isn’t as prestigious as an in-person internship. Or that you won’t receive the same level of experience.

Let us reassure you that remote internships – now more than ever – are considered just as valid as traditional internships.

They work in exactly the same way as a traditional internship. You’ll perform the same tasks, juggle a varied workload, and keep your manager updated of your progress. The only difference is that you’ll be at your home desk instead of in the office.

With increasing interconnectivity – and the advent of the Zoom meeting, online calendars and screen sharing – we can now simulate the office experience more accurately than ever before.

In fact, some studies show that productivity rises when we work from home.

And with instant messaging and video calls, you’ll feel just as connected – all with the added benefit of having no commute! Which means you’ll be able to invest your extra time in a way that works for you.

Reading, exercise, or simple relaxation can all boost your wellbeing. All of which leave you energised and ready to start the day anew.

As with anything, there’s a balance to strike. An in-person internship allows you to get to grips with an office environment, and personally meet your colleagues. On the other hand, your work day will be extended by commuting time – and you’ll have to spend some of your wages on it too.

Conversely, a remote internship loses that office atmosphere and in-person contact (although many companies are trying to recreate it). But the positives are having more time to yourself and working from the comfort of your own home.

But when it comes down to it, remote experience is still experience. And in this troubled time, that’s a good thing.

Attending university can certainly be a viable path to your dream career.

But with university places set to continuously rise, possessing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree is no longer an instant ticket to success.

Think of it this way: if everybody has a degree, then what do they provide to help you stand out?

What employers favour most of all is practical, on-the-job experience.

Heading out early into the world of work to gain that experience will set you apart from fresh graduates. Employers will be able to trust you to do the job, and know that you’ve got the skills to do it.

Right now, a remote internship is the best way to get that experience.

At Beyond Academy, we offer an incredible range of remote internships. We work with over a thousand prestigious international firms all around the world.

You’ll gain industry-best experience – all from the comfort of your own home.

So take a look at our remote internships and kickstart your professional career!

Beyond Academy also offers international internships. An immersive city experience in an array of countries – from Amsterdam to Tokyo.

With an international internship, you’ll not only gain invaluable on-the-job experience; you’ll immerse yourself in the atmosphere of another country – you’ll love it so much, you’ll soon call it home!

And foreign experience is always a bonus to employers. It demonstrates that you’re adaptable and a self-starter to boot.

Though we’re still in the midst of a pandemic, the future looks bright.

You can apply for an international internship now; with dates starting in 2021 – and stretching all the way to 2023. So be comfortable in the knowledge that you’ll be free and safe to travel.

Plus, it’s always nice to have something to look forward to!

So if you’re looking for an in-person alternative to a remote internship, check out our range of international internships right now.