5 Most Popular IT Remote Internships (And How To Get One)

The IT industry has undoubtedly become one of the most rapidly growing industries around the world as technology continues to advance and permeate modern life.

It is still an unprecedentedly exciting time for the “IT crowd” or folks in tech. As we all have noticed, things have been quite different from the usual norm during this global pandemic, especially when it comes to internships and working in general. This may sound frustrating at first, but here is the glass-half-full good news for you: the pandemic has made technology even more indispensable in daily work and personal life.

There is no better time for you to grow professionally in the field of Information Technology than now. With many internship positions going remote, global internships have become more accessible than ever, and many are paid. Here is a list of the 5 most popular IT remote internships in the industry—and tips on how to get one.

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Top 5 Popular Types of IT Remote Internships

As one of the largest industries in the world, there are many different career paths in the IT world worth pursuing. Here are the top 5 most popular types of IT remote internships that you should know about and consider applying for.

1. Software Developer

With a high pay and a huge demand in the job market, software development has been ranked the No.1 job among the Best Technology Jobs of 2021.

Software development involves working with software in computer systems, including designing, program testing, and maintaining software for desktop and mobile platforms.

Fairly speaking, as a current student or a young professional in the IT field, you can really gain a lot of valuable exposure through software developing internship programs, as this position also calls for a certain level of versatility. This role requires technical expertise and creativity at the same time. It will not only help you develop a deeper understanding of programming theories, but also allow you to have hands-on experience in software development practices.

2. Web Developer

Although they are both software coding jobs, software developers focus more on creating and programming software for computer programs, while web developers focus on designing and managing software for websites.

Web development can be a smart career path, especially for those who don’t have a high budget for more advanced education. Web developers are usually only required to have an associate’s degree instead of a bachelor’s degree—and in some cases, self-learners become web developers without a degree. Web development is far more entry-level than software development, so it might be easier to get your foot in the door.

3. Data Scientist

Data scientists are experts in multiple areas of study, such as computer science, social science, statistics, and mathematics. Data scientists specialize in analyzing unstructured data and translating this data into useful information for businesses. To put it in one word, data scientists make sense of messy data.

This is yet another hybrid role in the tech industry. Data scientists are more than technicians—they are also good communicators with a comprehensive understanding of business and marketing. Data scientists are capable of making meaningful connections between the data at hand and the businesses' true needs to effectively advise on business decisions.

The role of data scientists is in very high demand as companies and organizations of every size need experts to analyze tons of data. It is also viable to start with entry-level roles (like data analyst) before pursuing your data scientist career.

4. Information Security Analyst

Cybersecurity has become one of the hottest topics of discussion across industries, and information security issues are viewed as non-negligible more than ever. Security breaches can be very costly and damaging to companies, so the demand for information security analysts is steadily growing.

As mentioned, this can be a cross-industry job. To succeed, information security analysts need to be generalists who are excellent at defending data security and strategically seeing the big picture.

5. Computer Network Specialist

Computer network specialists are architects of data communication networks. Most of these specialists have advanced degrees in computer-related areas, and many of them are also well versed in business-related studies, such as business administration.

This role has a fairly high average salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for computer network specialists in 2019 is $112,690.

How to Prepare for IT Internship Applications

Once you are determined to put yourself out there and start this new chapter in your career, you need to learn more about how to apply for a high-quality IT internship, whether remote or in-person.

Here are some tips on how to prepare for the application process for these internships:

• The right fit: Finding the right internship program is the first step. Familiarize yourself with trends in IT internships. Some may seek an internship with a large international company, with a global brand presence that can build your resume and potentially transition into a full-time offer. Some may seek an internship with a smaller company or startup, and a smaller team typically offering more responsibility at a faster pace. Most businesses list their available internship positions on their website or job listing platforms. Or work with a third-party program such as a virtual internships program with tech companies in the U.S., and many of these opportunities are paid decent hourly rates.
• Visa requirement (if traveling overseas): Obtaining a valid visa is a key step in the process of applying for global internships. In general, if you’re solely partaking in an internship in the U.S., a J-1 visa is very likely what you need. You would need a sponsor for your visa, required documents for the application, and preparation for visa interviews.
• Costs and salary: Certainly, you might also want to plan ahead for your financial situation during the internship. You should keep in mind that there may be a cost for the application process. If you relocate for the internship, you will have travel and housing costs. Remote IT internships can reduce the costs you will incur for travel and housing. However, for many, the experience of traveling and living abroad is part of the excitement and opportunity. Also, there are many tech internships out there that pay respectable hourly rates.

Of course, there are still many other aspects to consider in your preparation, such as how to write an impressive motivation letter.

Seize Opportunities in Global IT Remote Internships

The goal of these internships is to gain experience working in the tech world and apply your technical knowledge to solve real-world problems. Experience is often the key requirement in tech jobs. Plus, there is always a lot to learn, as many IT jobs are interrelated in the same industry and innovation never stops. An IT internship can build a versatile profile in this profession.

Contact us today for more guidance on how to seize global IT remote internship opportunities.