vShips is an initiative of The DeBruce Foundation
vShips
Resources for job seekers and employers to navigate the future of work
vShips
Virtual internships, fellowships, apprenticeships, and returnships can expand pathways to economic growth and opportunity
Virtually Necessary
U.S. internship openings were 49 percent lower than the year prior, as of May 11, 2020, a much higher decline than for U.S. job openings, which fell 27 percent, according to the career site Glassdoor.
This concerned us at The DeBruce Foundation, as internships (and apprenticeships, and fellowships, and all the ‘ships) are crucial for preparing individuals and connecting talent with opportunity. They are essential for building a sustainable workforce. While not all internships can go virtual, many can.
That’s why we created vShips: to provide curated resources and original case studies and to convene virtual conversations to share best practices, and valuable insights for both employees and employers.
We hope you will share your successes and challenges with us as we all navigate the future of work together. We look forward to learning together to bring awareness to a cause that could provide brighter futures for employers and seekers alike.
Benefits to vShip Seekers
- Gain valuable professional experience
- Work from anywhere
- No commute
Benefits to vShip Employers
- Build your workforce – even in hard times
- Foster a diverse talent pipeline
- Reduce overhead costs
vShip Success
Thank you to • Boddle Learning • Boeing • Commerce Bank • Evergy • Facebook • FleishmanHillard • KC Social Innovation Center • Lents & Associates, LLC • OBP • Parker Dewey • PwC • Snap Inc. • STARTLAND • UnitedHealthcare • U.S. Engineering • The Urban Leaders Fellowship • 4th Row Films • for their leadership in providing virtual internships and for sharing their insights with employers and employees across the nation.
Employer and Employee Q&A Panel
Advice from vShips employers and interns to help employees succeed in a virtual internship
Virtual Roundtable Library for Employers
Local and national business leaders in this series share insights from their own virtual internship programs.
KC Case Study: Early Lessons in Virtual Internships
Local nonprofit leaders share their experiences, early lessons, and innovative ideas to continue expanding access to and building our future workforce — virtually.
7/21/2020 | View the roundtable.
vShips 101: Demystifying Virtual Internships
Practical tips for successful virtual internships.
9/24/2020 | View the roundtable.
How to Up Your vShips Game
How to maximize your virtual internship program.
10/15/2020 | View the roundtable.
vShips and the Future of Work
Considerations, barriers, and opportunities in relation to virtual internships.
11/10/2020 | View the roundtable.
vShip Seeker Resources
The pandemic made internships hypercompetitive
Students salvaged internship opportunities and found new paths to their careers. Plus: top tips to stand out (CNBC College Voices series) Go to Website
vShips Initiative Featured in Hispanic Outlook Magazine
The DeBruce Foundation hosted a virtual workshop focused on helping college students find, land, and succeed in virtual internships. It featured insights from employers leading virtual internship programs, career building experts, and students who have successfully launched their careers from virtual internships.
Micro-Internships
Search for micro-internships: short-term, paid, professional assignments on the Parker Dewey platform. From working directly with an entrepreneur to supporting a large enterprise, you’ll have the opportunity to explore different roles and company cultures as you gain valuable experience.
FREE Career Survey Tool to Position Yourself for a vShip
The Agile Work Profiler© tool will help you discover your work strengths AND interests, and how these “Agilities” can apply to many different careers. Knowing your Agilities can also help you improve your resume and interview skills. The Agile Work Profiler© only takes 10 minutes. It’s free for you to use.
How to Ace Your Video Interview
Preparing for a video interview requires research, practice, and set design (Wall Street Journal) Go to Website
Students Helping Students
Students at Brown University have developed a program to connect you to a remote internship (Brown University) Go to Website
COVID-19 Update
Poll results show the effects COVID-19 has had on the workforce (National Association for Colleges and Employers) Go to Website
3 Ways to Crush Your Virtual Internship in the First 30 Days
Tips for success from the VP of higher education and student success at Handshake (Business Insider). Go to Website
Coronavirus Hiring: How Recruiters Are Selecting and Interviewing Job Candidates During the Pandemic
Recruiting has been reimagined, resulting in increased use of new technologies (CNBC) Go to Website
Guidance and Connections During Your Search
More resources to connect with employers and get guidance in the application process while going virtual (Handshake) Go to Website
vShip Employer Resources
Build Your Interns’ Agilities
The Agile Work Profiler© tool can help your interns increase awareness and activation to bring value to your organization. It also provides you a shared language for what they like to do and do well in the workplace. The Agile Work Profiler© only takes 10 minutes. It’s free for you to use.
Micro-Internships
Micro-Internships improve hiring outcomes while helping busy professionals get work done. These complement existing internships and campus recruiting programs by providing opportunities to engage prospective candidates year-round. Post your next project on the Parker Dewey platform.
3 Reasons Why Your Business Should Embrace Virtual Internships
During four roundtable discussions in late 2020, leaders convened by The DeBruce Foundation discussed vShips’ considerations such as how to onboard new interns and barriers such as access to technology. Three observations emerged from these conversations that can help ensure smooth sailing for the future of your organization. Read more.
Best Practices for Creating a Successful Virtual Internship
Tips for communication, onboarding, managing, and more (Harvard Business School) Go to Website
Top Perks for Interns Can Be Adapted for the Virtual Workplace
Research shows top perks can be reworked for virtual settings (National Association for Colleges and Employers) Go to Website
The Importance of Internships: How Students & Employers Both Reap the Benefits
Studies show mutual and longterm benefits for all involved (The College of St. Scholastica) Go to Website
3 Tips for a Successful Virtual Internship Program
Review your program for accessible tech tools, equity, and company culture (HR Dive) Go to Website
In the U.S., Teen Summer Jobs Aren’t What They Used to Be
Fewer teens have summer jobs than in 2000 — and the jobs have changed (Pew Research) Go to Website