TAMPA, Fla.– Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote internships have transitioned from an alternative to a standard option for students seeking work experience in their desired field. This shift has created new opportunities for many students while presenting distinctive challenges. Students at The University of Tampa are navigating these evolving employment opportunities, revealing various opinions on the effectiveness and impact of remote internships on their education and careers.
Nayria Figueroa Colon, journalism major, is happy with the advantages of her internship.
“What motivated me was the flexibility of the internship,” said Figueroa Colon.
Working with GREY Journal, an entrepreneurship magazine, she appreciates the ability to manage her school schedule while gaining valuable experience. Remote work also eliminates the need for transportation and rigid scheduling.
“It’s easy to complete assignments right from your computer,” said Figueroa Colon.
For many students, remote internships provide flexibility and allow them to juggle academic responsibilities alongside their internship, creating a better work-life balance. However, this flexibility comes with its own set of struggles, particularly in communication and collaboration. Figueroa Colon said that while tools like Slack are reliable for communication, they can also delay responses.
“It was difficult to get questions answered quickly,” said Figueroa Colon, highlighting a common frustration among remote interns.
Christopher Boulton, the internship coordinator for various communication majors at UTampa, said remote internships often lack the in-person interaction that can foster better networking opportunities.
“It’s more difficult to network and often get stable, consistent hours and supervision in a remote situation,” Boulton said.
This concern is apparent when companies expect students to be “on call” at all times.
“All internships must prioritize the students’ educational benefit above all else and hold employers accountable to demonstrating how they helped the student meet their learning objectives and taught them skills they didn’t already know,” said Boulton.
Despite the benefits of remote work, career services professionals emphasize the importance of in-person internships. Kelly Allgeier, associate director of career services, has received mixed reviews from UTampa students.
Allgeier said companies that have successfully integrated remote internships facilitate regular check-ins and provide guidance. This ensures students receive meaningful learning experiences in a remote environment.
While remote internships offer advantages, there are concerns about the potential lack of learning opportunities.
“My strong preference is for in-person. The educational benefit is often greater when students are physically present,” said Boulton.
Changes in internships have led universities to update their resources and support systems. The Office of Career Services at UTampa offers services to assist students in their search for remote internships. This includes workshops, individual strategy appointments, and access to job boards like Handshake, which currently features nearly 700 remote internships.
Networking remains a key aspect of the internship search process. Students are encouraged to utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in their desired fields, helping to bridge the gap that remote work can create in building professional relationships.
As students continue to navigate the complexities of remote internships, the future seems to indicate that these opportunities will not disappear.
“I imagine remote internships are not going anywhere,” said Allgeier.
The flexibility and accessibility of remote internships appeal to many students, but the importance of in-person experiences remains a key topic of discussion.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of remote internships may depend on individual preferences and career aspirations. For students like Figueroa Colon, the advantages of flexibility and accessibility outweigh the challenge of remote communication.
“Do the remote internship if it comes your way! It is as beneficial as an in-person internship,” said Figueroa Colon.
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Photo by Alyssa Cortes.