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. 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.

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.

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
  • When you go on to apply for an internship or full-time role, your experience is a fantastic way to stand out in interviews to prove you’ve researched the role

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 an in-person internship.

Forage job simulations are low-risk ways to learn more about your career ambitions because it’s free and has no time limits. So, if it turns out a specific job isn’t what you thought it was, you haven’t lost anything, but you have enhanced your knowledge. And, more importantly, you’ve learned what you don’t want to pursue, which is just as important as knowing what you do want to do.

Students who complete a Forage job simulation are 3x more likely to be hired by a partner company, giving you a competitive edge over other applicants.

What does it involve?
  • Programmes include video instructions, real-life examples from employees, real-world tasks for interns and graduates, and curated resources to support task completion.
  • It takes five to six hours to complete one programme, and you can complete as many programmes as you like.
  • When you’re done with a job simulation, you’ll receive a certificate you can share on LinkedIn. You'll also receive sample language to highlight your job simulation experience on your CV and guidance on how to discuss it effectively in interviews
Useful Links:

Find a job simulation that is right for you.

More information on what a virtual job simulation is.

SpringPod

SpringPod offers an immersive introduction to working with some of the best employers in the world. Programmes typically involve 10 hours of activity over 2 weeks, providing a structured and engaging virtual experience.

What does it involve?
  • Talks with industry professionals – Gain insights into their roles and career paths.
  • Mini-activities, projects, and quizzes – Work directly with employers on real-world tasks.
  • Boost your CV or Personal Statement – Showcase your experience and skills.

SpringPod offers two different types of digital experiences:
Virtual-to-Reality Work Experience

Virtual-to-Reality Work Experience is an exciting opportunity to transform your online work experience into a real-world, in-person placement with a leading employer, allowing you to apply your skills and expand your network.

Step 1: Search for Virtual Work Experience programmes and look for the ‘Virtual-to-Reality’ tag.
Step 2: Complete a Virtual Work Experience programme and submit your interest via the embedded form.
Step 3: If selected, you'll get the chance for in-person work experience with a partner employer. It’s that simple!

Sprints:

Bite-sized, on-demand courses designed around real workplace tasks, giving you practical insights into different career paths.

Bright Network

Bright Network connects top employers and educators through virtual experiences. Open to undergraduates, IEUK offers a chance to explore career paths, gain insights from employers, and enhance your employability.

What is Internship Experience UK (IEUK)?

IEUK is a 4-day virtual programme where undergraduate students network with industry-leading employers and complete a sector skills project gives them hands-on experience and helps students decide which sector is for them.

Participants will choose one sector from:

  • Business Operations & Marketing
  • Commercial Law
  • Finance, Professional Services & Consulting
  • Technology & Engineering

and get a deep dive into what a career in that sector looks like.

The dates for 2025 are Monday 14th July – Thursday 17th July.

Applications open Tuesday 6th May and close Sunday 6th July.

For more information, 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.