Guide for Teenagers: Navigating the World of Virtual Work Experience and Job Shadowing

In a digitized world, the boundaries of learning and exploration continue to expand. No longer limited by geography or physical presence, teenagers today can explore career paths virtually. Welcome to the realm of virtual work experience and job shadowing!

What is Virtual Work Experience / Job Shadowing?

Virtual work experience, often termed online or virtual job shadowing, refers to a digital approach to understanding the day-to-day workings of various professions. Unlike the traditional method of being physically present at a workplace, you engage through online platforms.

Here's what it typically involves:

• Online Simulations: Experience a virtual day in the life of a professional.
• Virtual Job Roles: Engage in tasks that a specific job demands, all in a controlled, digital environment.
• Interactive Scenarios: Tackle challenges or projects that provide a practical glimpse into the career.
• Virtual Tours: Navigate a digital replica of a workplace, understanding the environment and culture.

Platforms like Career Explorer or Virtual Internships and many companies offer these experiences, ensuring they are as close to the real thing as possible.

Pros for Teenagers:

1. Universal Access: All you need is a decent internet connection, and a world of professional exploration opens up. Be it from the comfort of your bedroom or a cafe across the street, the virtual format ensures you're not bound by location.

2. Safe Exploration: Stepping into a new environment can be daunting. Virtual experiences remove the anxiety of the unfamiliar, offering a comfortable and controlled space to learn.

3. Diverse Career Opportunities: Ever wanted to understand the life of a marine biologist and a graphic designer in the same week? Virtual platforms enable you to hop from one profession to another, offering a vast array of experiences.

4. Real-world Engagement: Despite being virtual, these experiences are rooted in real-world tasks. It's not just about watching; it's about doing. Through interactive scenarios, you're not just an observer but an active participant.

5. A Stepping Stone: Not sure if you want to commit to a full-fledged internship? Start here. Virtual experiences can be the prelude to more intensive, in-person experiences, allowing you to test the waters before diving in.

Time Required:

The beauty of virtual experiences is their flexibility. Depending on the platform or company, you might find:

• Brief Tours (Few Hours): Ideal for those with limited time, offering a quick glimpse into a profession.

• Comprehensive Modules (Several Days to Weeks): These provide depth, from understanding the nuances of a role to tackling larger projects.

How to Embark on Your Virtual Experience:

1. Research Platforms: Several platforms offer tailored virtual experiences. It's essential to choose one that aligns with your interests and provides a comprehensive experience.

2. Reach Out to Companies: Some businesses offer their own virtual internships or shadowing programs. Visit company websites, especially those in your desired field, and see if they have such opportunities.

3. Stay Engaged: Once you're in, be an active participant. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and seek feedback.

4. Network: Often, these virtual platforms have discussion boards or forums. Engage with other participants and professionals. Building relationships now can benefit you in the future.

5. Reflect: After each experience, take a moment to jot down your thoughts. What did you love? What didn't resonate? These reflections can guide your future career decisions.

Taking the Next Step:

Virtual experiences are a fantastic way to start, but there's immense value in physical experiences too. If a virtual role excites you, consider exploring it in the real world. For insights on in-person work experiences, check out this comprehensive guide on work experience: CareersthatMatter.

In a world where the lines between the physical and digital realms blur, virtual work experiences offer a golden opportunity. They are convenient, insightful, and a fantastic way to understand what truly resonates with you. Embrace them, learn from them, and let them guide your journey into the professional world. Remember, every experience, virtual or physical, is a step towards finding your passion and purpose. Happy exploring!

Opportunities List 

1. Forage

   • Fields: Various, including Tech, Sales, Consulting, Marketing, Finance, Law, Human Resources.
   • Description: Forage offers free job simulations, where you can gain real-life skills for real-life roles through various tasks replicating actual work. These simulations are self-paced and offer insights into day-to-day company operations.
   • Cost: Free.
   • Eligibility: Open access.
   • Application Link: Forage Programs

2. CSIRO Virtual Work Experience Program

   • Fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), Defence Industry.
   • Description: This program is designed for Year 10 and 11 high school students in Australia. It offers remote group STEM projects linked to real-world CSIRO research and industry challenges, supervised by CSIRO staff using a secure online platform.
   • Cost: Not specified.
   • Eligibility: Australian high school students in Year 10 or 11, aged 15-17 during the program, able to commit to a designated week between February and December 2023, and supported by a teacher, parent, or adult​ ​.
   • Apply at: CSIRO Work Expereince 

3. Grandshake

   • Fields: Various.
   • Description: Grandshake is a career education and network platform for young people aged 13-19. It provides virtual work experiences designed in partnership with employers and career professionals.
   • Cost: Not specified.
   • Eligibility: Young people aged 13-19.
   • Application Link: Grandshake

4. PwC Virtual Case Experience

   • Fields: Various, related to PwC services.
   • Description: The program offers simulated client projects and is hosted on Forage. Participants work virtually and receive instructions from real PwC staff to master client cases and gain insights into PwC’s operations.
   • Cost: Free.
   • Eligibility: Open access, no prior work experience required.
   • Application Link: PwC Virtual Case Experience

5. Springpod

   • Fields: Various, in partnership with leading employers.
   • Description: Springpod offers in-depth, interactive virtual work experiences from industry experts and leading employers. Programs typically involve 10 hours of activities to be completed over two weeks. Activities include talks with industry professionals and mini-projects or quizzes.
   • Cost: Not specified.
   • Eligibility: Most programs require students to be in school/college, with some having specific UK regional requirements.
   • Application Link: Springpod Virtual Work Experience
   • Application Date: At least 3 days before the program start date​ ​​ ​.

6. Engineers Australia - Engineering Virtual Work Experiences

   • Fields: Aerospace Engineering, among other engineering disciplines.
   • Description: Offered in partnership with Prosple, these virtual experiences are for student members and involve modules that take between 2 to 5 hours to complete. They provide real-world examples of work tasks and are targeted at university-level students.
   • Cost: Membership requirement (not explicitly specified as free).
   • Eligibility: Current Engineers Australia student membership is required.
   • Application Link: Engineers Australia Jobs Board

7. Prosple Virtual Experiences

   • Fields: Professional Services.
   • Description: Prosple provides real-world work simulations from leading employers to test and develop professional skills.
   • Cost: Not explicitly mentioned, but similar programs are typically free.
   • Eligibility: Not specified.
   • Application Link: Prosple Virtual Experiences

8. InsideSherpa

   • Description: InsideSherpa hosts virtual internships designed by leading companies. These programs provide practical skills and experience through completing tasks that replicate the work of real employees.
   • Fields: Law, Tech, Consulting, Business, and more.
   • Cost: Free.
   • Eligibility: Generally open to all students and recent graduates.
   • Application Link: InsideSherpa
   • Application Date: Varies per program.

9. Virtual Internships

   • Description: Offers remote internships where students can gain real work experience and connect with global companies. These internships typically last 4-12 weeks.
   • Fields: Business, Marketing, Engineering, IT, and more.
   • Cost: Varies; some programs may require a fee.
   • Eligibility: University students and graduates.
   • Application Link: Virtual Internships
   • Application Date: Varies per program.

10. Bright Network Internship Experience UK

    • Description: Provides students with a series of virtual internship experiences in various sectors, designed in partnership with leading companies.
    • Fields: Finance, Consulting, Technology, Law, and more.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Primarily aimed at university students in the UK, but open to all.
    • Application Link: Bright Network
    • Application Date: Varies per program.

11. RippleMatch

    • Description: Connects students with virtual internships and entry-level jobs from companies across the US.
    • Fields: Various industries including Tech, Finance, and Marketing.
    • Cost: Free for students.
    • Eligibility: Primarily university students and recent graduates in the US.
    • Application Link: RippleMatch
    • Application Date: Varies per program.

12. The Smithsonian's Virtual Internships

    • Description: The Smithsonian Institution offers virtual internships in various departments. These internships provide an opportunity to work with museum professionals on meaningful projects.
    • Fields: Art history, curation, museum education, public relations, and more.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Varies by internship; usually open to undergraduates, graduates, and professionals.
    • Application Link: Smithsonian Virtual Internships

13. The British Museum's Virtual Internships

    • Description: The British Museum occasionally offers virtual internships, providing an opportunity to engage with the museum's collection and learn from its staff.
    • Fields: Art, history, archaeology, museum studies.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Typically for students or recent graduates.
    • Application Link: British Museum Careers

14. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Internships

    • Description: MoMA in New York sometimes offers virtual internships, where interns can gain experience in various aspects of museum operations.
    • Fields: Art, education, communications, museum administration.
    • Cost: Some internships are paid.
    • Eligibility: Usually for college students, graduate students, and recent graduates.
    • Application Link: MoMA Internships

15. The Getty Internships

    • Description: The Getty offers virtual internships focusing on various aspects of the arts, cultural heritage, and museum management.
    • Fields: Art, curation, museum studies, conservation, and more.
    • Cost: Paid internships.
    • Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students.
    • Application Link: Getty Internships

16. Google Virtual Internships

    • Description: Google offers various online internships and courses, providing a glimpse into the tech industry and Google's culture.
    • Fields: Technology, Business, Marketing, and others.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Typically for university students or recent graduates.
    • Application Link: Google Careers
    • Application Date: Varies per program.

17. Microsoft Virtual Internships

    • Description: Microsoft’s virtual internship program provides an opportunity to work on real-world projects and learn from experienced professionals.
    • Fields: Engineering, IT, Business, and more.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: University students.
    • Application Link: Microsoft University Internships
    • Application Date: Varies per program.

18. KPMG Virtual Internship

    • Description: KPMG’s virtual internship program offers tasks similar to what graduates do at KPMG and helps students to gain practical skills.
    • Fields: Data Analytics, Consulting, Financial Services.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Open to all students.
    • Application Link: InsideSherpa - KPMG Virtual Internship
    • Application Date: Self-paced.

19. Deloitte Virtual Internship

    • Description: Deloitte offers online internships providing insights into the professional services sector.
    • Fields: Business, Technology, Finance.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Open to all students.
    • Application Link: InsideSherpa - Deloitte Virtual Internship
    • Application Date: Self-paced.

20. Goldman Sachs Virtual Internship

    • Description: Offers an opportunity to gain insights into the financial services industry.
    • Fields: Finance, Investment Banking.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Open to all students.
    • Application Link: InsideSherpa - Goldman Sachs Virtual Internship
    • Application Date: Self-paced.

21. Ernst & Young (EY) Virtual Internship

    • Description: EY offers a virtual experience program that provides insights into the world of professional services.
    • Fields: Accounting, Finance, Consulting.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Open to all students.
    • Application Link: InsideSherpa - EY Virtual Internship
    • Application Date: Self-paced.

22. L'Oréal Virtual Internship

    • Description: Provides a virtual experience in the world of beauty and cosmetics.
    • Fields: Marketing, Business, Supply Chain, and more.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Open to all students.
    • Application Link: InsideSherpa - L'Oréal Virtual Internship
    • Application Date: Self-paced.

23. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Virtual Internship

    • Description: Offers a virtual experience program in management consulting.
    • Fields: Consulting, Business Strategy.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Open to all students.
    • Application Link: InsideSherpa - BCG Virtual Internship
    • Application Date: Self-paced.

24. J.P. Morgan Virtual Internship

    • Description: Provides an opportunity to experience the finance sector and understand the work at J.P. Morgan.
    • Fields: Finance, Banking, Technology.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Open to all students.
    • Application Link: InsideSherpa - J.P. Morgan Virtual Internship
    • Application Date: Self-paced.

25. Grant Thornton Virtual Internship

    • Description: Offers insights into the world of audit, tax, and advisory services.
    • Fields: Accounting, Auditing, Advisory.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Open to all students.
    • Application Link: InsideSherpa - Grant Thornton Virtual Internship
    • Application Date: Self-paced.

26. SAP Virtual Internship

    • Description: Offers a virtual experience in enterprise software and business operations.
    • Fields: IT, Business Process, Software Development.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Open to all students.
    • Application Link: InsideSherpa - SAP Virtual Internship
    • Application Date: Self-paced. 

27. HSBC Virtual Internship

    • Description: Offers a virtual experience in the banking and finance industry.
    • Fields: Banking, Finance, Economics.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Open to all students.
    • Application Link: InsideSherpa - HSBC Virtual Internship
    • Application Date: Self-paced.

28. McKinsey & Company Virtual Internship

    • Description: Provides a virtual experience in management consulting.
    • Fields: Consulting, Business Management.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Open to all students.
    • Application Link: InsideSherpa - McKinsey & Company Virtual Internship
    • Application Date: Self-paced.

29. IBM Virtual Internship

    • Description: Offers a virtual experience in various aspects of technology and business operations.
    • Fields: Technology, Consulting, Business Operations.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Open to all students.
    • Application Link: InsideSherpa - IBM Virtual Internship
    • Application Date: Self-paced.

30. Bain & Company Virtual Internship

    • Description: Provides an opportunity to experience the consulting industry.
    • Fields: Consulting, Strategy.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Open to all students.
    • Application Link: InsideSherpa - Bain & Company Virtual Internship
    • Application Date: Self-paced.

31. P&G Virtual Internship

    • Description: Offers insights into various roles at Procter & Gamble.
    • Fields: Marketing, Sales, Finance, Supply Chain, and more.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Open to all students.
    • Application Link: InsideSherpa - P&G Virtual Internship
    • Application Date: Self-paced.

32. Amazon Virtual Internship

    • Description: Provides an opportunity to experience the fast-paced environment of Amazon.
    • Fields: Technology, Business, Operations, Supply Chain.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Open to all students.
    • Application Link: Amazon Careers
    • Application Date: Varies per program. 

33. Accenture Virtual Internships

    • Description: Provides a virtual experience program to understand what it's like to work at Accenture.
    • Fields: Technology, Consulting.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Open to all students.
    • Application Link: InsideSherpa - Accenture Virtual Internship
    • Application Date: Self-paced.