Virtual Internships and How Remote Work Experience Is Changing Career Access

I recently sat down with Luke Peake, the CEO of Virtual Internships, to talk about the company, its mission and the growing role of remote work experience.

We discussed how Virtual Internships aims to open up opportunities for students and graduates, broaden access to employers and remove barriers that often prevent people from gaining essential experience.

Luke explained that Virtual Internships is passionate about employability. He emphasised that the organisation is committed to delivering meaningful and transformational work experience to students and recent graduates. Their goal is to improve skills and employability in an increasingly digital world.

This mission is rooted in tackling issues of diversity and reducing the barriers that make traditional internships difficult to access. Many internships, especially those offered by large law firms or international companies, require travel, accommodation and high living costs.

Virtual Internships offer an alternative. Students can work for companies based in major cities without commuting, relocating or paying for expensive accommodation. They can study and gain experience at the same time, from anywhere.

Luke highlighted that his team works hard to match students with high-quality paid internships. Once a student is offered an internship, they pay a deposit of £295 to secure their place. The remaining balance of £400 is then payable, bringing the total cost to £695. Luke described this as an investment in a student’s future. He noted that the programme removes the financial burden of travel, rent and other costs associated with in-person internships, especially in cities like London.

One of the most valuable outcomes for participants is the professional reference they receive. This reference can be used on social media, on a CV or in future applications. It gives students a tangible advantage when applying for roles and helps them demonstrate real experience.

Virtual Internships offers a flexible alternative to traditional schemes. It is similar to a gap year placement or a summer vacation scheme, but with the freedom to choose your hours and work from home. It provides a way to gain the experience you want without the logistical challenges of relocating or commuting.