DCU Voices

DCU VOICES 18 Highlighting the benefits of those internships that went ahead in a virtual setting, it found that interns had greater access to senior leaders in virtual programmes and developed skills which will be increasingly valuable in a virtual or hybrid workplace. It also found that organisations attracted a more diverse applicant pool through virtual offerings. David Collings, Professor of Human Resource Management and Director of the Leadership and Talent Institute at DCU Business School, said: “As hybrid working arrangements are likely to become the norm for many employees, the lessons from virtual internship programmes are likely to provide useful insights for the transition to hybrid work for those firms that did roll them out”. The research is based on insights from 22 organisations who pivoted to virtual internships in the early stages of 2020. Key findings: • Students developed skills which are in greater demand in a virtual workplace. The virtual format allowed participants to hone skills and improve digital literacy and professionalism, telecommunication, and time management skills. Further, a remote internship requires self- discipline, independence, and the ability to take initiative. • It also highlighted increased access to programmes from diverse cohorts. A number of companies reported an increased diversity in applicants - the virtual format levelled the playing field for applicants who lived farther from offices. • Interns had more access to senior leaders. Traditionally, only those interns at head office locations had the opportunity to engage with the most senior organisation leaders. In travelling less, senior leaders could commit to the sessions such as inductions, virtual coffees and networking sessions. By designing a practical toolkit to support organisations in the design and delivery of virtual and hybrid internships, Deloitte and the research team aimed to encourage more companies to provide transformative virtual internships for students this year. DCU Access to the Workplace placements have now rebounded to over 88 this year, a new record for the programme which reflects growing confidence with virtual and hybrid internship formats. Mike Hartwell, Head of Audit and Assurance at Deloitte Ireland, commented: “Ensuring that opportunities will continue for students across the country in this new virtual and hybrid world is critical in developing a workforce that is fit for the future and that will serve our economy well, and so we are delighted to support this important work by the team at DCU.” New research shows companies benefited from retaining virtual internships despite COVID-19 pandemic There is no doubt that COVID-19 had significantly disrupted internship programmes for 2020/21, with up to 50% of all programmes cancelled or postponed. However, new research carried out by Prof David Collings, Prof Claire Gubbins and Michael Keegan in the Leadership and Talent Institute at DCU Business School, with support from Deloitte Ireland, has shown that both companies and individuals who did proceed with a virtual internship benefitted hugely.