Virtual internships are perhaps the most changing part of university life after 2020. Especially in Turkey, virtual internship opportunities have become widespread thanks to digitalization. Internships that used to start by carrying tea in offices are now conducted through Zoom meetings and Trello boards. In this article, I will both explain this transformation and discuss the topic of “virtual internship in Turkey” in depth.
What is a Virtual Internship and How Did It Emerge in Turkey?
Virtual internship is a type of internship where the student does an internship through digital platforms without physically going to a workplace. This model has become widespread in companies in Turkey, especially after the pandemic. It is generally preferred in sectors such as IT, digital marketing and software development. So why is it so popular?
According to Turkish Statistical Institute data, the number of students doing virtual internships in Turkey increased by 43% in 2023.
Popular Areas for Virtual Internships in Turkey
“Virtual internship in Turkey” options are most common in the following fields. These fields offer students both real work experience and the chance to network internationally.
| Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Software Development | Coding, testing and application development tasks. |
| Digital Marketing | SEO, social media management, advertising campaigns. |
| Graphic Design | Brand identity, social media posts, banner design. |
| Content Production | Blog posts, translation, text editing. |
| Data Analysis | Analysis with tools like Excel, Power BI, Python. |
If you are interested, be sure to check out our Digital Banking and Student Finance in Turkey article. Financial management tips await you with a virtual internship.
Can A Student Do An Internship Wherever He/She Wants?
Yes, but with some conditions. A student who wants to do a virtual internship in Turkey may be abroad or out of town. The important thing is that he fulfills his responsibilities to the organization he works for.
However, some universities do not accept virtual internships as official internships. So be sure to check your school’s internship guidelines. Especially in public universities in Turkey, there are still departments that insist on “physical internships.”
Most private sector companies, however, are flexible on this issue. Technology companies in particular support virtual internships as they embrace “remote working.”
Can there be an internship in distance education?
A distance education student in Turkey can do a virtual internship in Turkey as long as their school allows them to do so. This situation is much more common especially in universities that offer open education or hybrid education. There are two important points here: one is compliance with the university’s internship policy, and the other is clear and continuous communication with the organization you are working for.
Which Universities See It Appropriate?
Particularly Turkey’s major open education systems such as Anadolu University, Istanbul University AUZEF and Atatürk University now offer students the opportunity to do virtual internships. In these systems, “remote” solutions are produced even for departments that require internships. For example, students submit their internship reports in weekly meetings via Google Meet or Zoom.
This development also creates an opportunity for international students studying abroad in Turkey. They can do a virtual internship in a company based in Turkey without having to be physically in Istanbul. This not only saves costs, but also allows us to reach a wider network of internships.
What Are The Advantages?
There are some important advantages of virtual internships with distance learning:
- Time Management: You can do an internship in the time you have left after your classes.
- Geographical Freedom: You can take advantage of virtual internship opportunities in Turkey no matter where you are.
- Cost Savings: Costs such as travel money, clothing costs or changing cities are eliminated.
- Actual Work Experience: Gain skills such as team management, project tracking, online reporting.
What Challenges Can Happen?
But not everything is rosy. There are also some challenges you may face when doing a remote internship:
- Lack of motivation: Working on your own at home can sometimes be difficult. You can get distracted.
- Insufficient Supervision: Some organizations may not assign many tasks to the virtual intern. It can be difficult to make a real contribution.
- Communication Problems: Since there is no face-to-face communication within the team, some issues may be poorly understood.
Can One Do Both Internship And Work?
Is it possible to work while doing a virtual internship in Turkey? Answer: Yes, but there are some things you have to be careful about.
First, you need to plan your time well. While most virtual internships have flexible hours, some companies may require you to be online during certain time slots. If you have a part-time job, these conflicts can negatively affect your internship performance.
Legal issues are also important. If you are an international student and want to work officially in Turkey, you need a student work permit. Although virtual internships are usually unpaid, it is essential to clarify the legal situation if you plan to earn an income.
Here Is An Example of A Simple Daily Routine For Flanning:
| Time Span | Event |
|---|---|
| 09:00 – 12:00 | Virtual internship tasks |
| 13:00 – 17:00 | Part-time job |
| 18:00 – 19:00 | Study / Zoom lessons |
| 20:00 – 21:00 | Rest / Personal development |
Digital tools (such as Google Calendar, Notion, Trello, etc.) save lives to keep up this pace. Many students doing virtual internships in Turkey are able to work and earn income at the same time thanks to time management.
Application Guide and Resources for International Students
If you’re a foreign student looking for a virtual internship in Turkey, the application process can be a bit intimidating. But it’s actually much easier than you think. I have simplified the step-by-step application process for you below:
1. Profile Preparation
- CV: Prepare a simple CV in English. In Turkey, skill-oriented formats are preferred for virtual internship applications instead of very detailed CVs.
- Letter of Intent: Tell us why you want this internship. 2 paragraphs is enough.
- LinkedIn: Create an active LinkedIn account. Turkish companies are very active on this platform.
2. Platforms and Websites
The following sites are the most popular for finding virtual internships in Turkey:
- kariyer.net
- internships.com.tr
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Youthall
- Toptalent.co
3. Application and Interview
- After completing your online application, a short interview process begins.
- Interviews usually take place via Zoom or Google Meet.
- Internship duration, hours and tasks are explained in detail.
It is a great advantage to browse these platforms regularly when searching for “virtual internships in Turkey.”
Visa and Legal Status: What to Pay Attention to in Turkey
One of the most common questions for international students doing a virtual internship in Turkey is: “Is this legally possible?”
Virtual internships are usually voluntary and therefore do not require a work permit. However, if the internship is paid or long-term, you may need a work permit in addition to a residence permit. The Directorate General of Migration Management in Turkey is the official source for up-to-date information on this issue.
Some universities also accept virtual internships under the Erasmus+ program. In this case, you can both do a virtual internship in Turkey and benefit from EU-funded grants.
Long-Term Contributions of Virtual Internships and Real Experiences
“What will I gain by doing a virtual internship in Turkey?”, the list is actually quite long. Here are a few concrete contributions:
- Work Experience: A Turkish company, especially one that will be on your CV, strengthens your international outlook.
- Reference: If you make a good impression, they may write you a letter of recommendation.
- Networking: You can increase your future job opportunities by connecting with industry professionals.
- Inspiration to Start Your Own Business: You can start running your own freelance business in areas such as digital marketing or software.