US Internship - Your American Dream : A Remote Internship That Secured a Position at the United Nations

How a Remote Internship Led to a Position at the United Nations

John's Journey: From a Virtual Internship to the United Nations

In today's ever-evolving job market, internships have become an invaluable stepping stone for students looking to launch successful careers. One individual who exemplifies the power of internships in shaping a global career is John, an alumnus who completed an internship through GenerationUK and now works at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) in Bangkok—all while studying in Japan. In this article, we explore John's unique path from his undergraduate studies in the UK to his virtual internship experiences, which ultimately led him to a role at the UN.

Undergraduate Days and a Passion for International Work

John's journey began at the University of Nottingham, where he studied Management. During his undergraduate years, he took advantage of a placement year to intern with Aldi, gaining hands-on experience in a face-to-face role. After completing his undergraduate degree, John went on to pursue a Master's degree in Malaysia. It was here that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the world, shifting the way people worked and interacted globally.

Faced with the challenge of finding meaningful work experiences during such uncertain times, John revisited an opportunity he had previously researched: GenerationUK. Originally an in-person internship program in China, GenerationUK had partnered with Virtual Internships to offer remote placements, and John was eager to sign up.

"I was aware of the Generation UK program when it was running in-person internships in China, but when COVID hit, those were no longer possible. So, when the program restarted—and it was virtual—I was studying in Japan. It was a no-brainer for me to get involved."

The Value of Virtual Internships

John quickly discovered the immense value of his remote internship, which gave him exposure to diverse companies and cultures without leaving his home in Japan. The virtual setting allowed him to develop key skills in adapting to different organizational structures, values, and work styles. John credits this experience with helping him grow both personally and professionally, particularly in terms of leadership skills and decision-making confidence.

His remote internship also offered a deeper understanding of various leadership styles, which in turn helped John refine his career goals and aspirations. As he recalls:

"The coaching calls with Virtual Internships were particularly impactful. They were instrumental in helping me realize that I was ready to apply for the United Nations. It was at that point I felt confident enough to step into that next phase of my career."

Preparing for a Global Career

John's virtual internship experience didn't just enhance his professional skills—it also prepared him for working in a global organization like the United Nations. In a world where remote work is becoming increasingly common, John recognizes the importance of adapting to virtual environments and understanding how to navigate cross-cultural differences in the workplace.

His experience with Virtual Internships helped him develop the skills needed to succeed in a remote, international setting—skills that directly contributed to his current position at UN ESCAP. John reflects on how the experience empowered him to make his dream of working in Asia a reality:

"The opportunity to work remotely with a global organization gave me the confidence and experience I needed to contribute meaningfully to the United Nations. It helped me understand the value of virtual collaboration and prepare for a career that spans continents and cultures."

Empowering Students with Global Opportunities

At Virtual Internships, we are committed to providing students like John with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in the global workforce. Our platform connects students with exciting internships at top-tier companies worldwide, offering tailored training and support throughout the internship journey. We don't just place students—we equip them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Through partnerships with universities, pathway providers, and governments, we aim to upskill and prepare students for the future of work. By offering remote work experiences and access to a global network, we help open doors to transformative career opportunities—just as we did for John.

The Future of Work: Remote, Global, and Inclusive

As John’s story illustrates, remote internships are not just a temporary solution to a global crisis—they are a long-term gateway to exciting, meaningful careers. Whether you're studying abroad, navigating a pandemic, or simply looking to expand your horizons, remote internships provide invaluable exposure to diverse work cultures and global networks. For students ready to take the leap into the future of work, platforms like Virtual Internships are here to make those dreams a reality.