REVIEWS ON INTERNSHIP WHETHER ONLINE OR OFFLINE: WHICH ONE IS BETTER

AUTHOR- MAHESH KUMAR RATHORE*

EDITOR- AKANSHA SINGH & RIYA LUHADIA

COVID-19 pushed students to take virtual internships, and the way we learn new skills has also evolved as technology has developed. Thanks to the internet, a wide variety of opportunities are now available to those interested in boosting their knowledge and skills.

Interns can also opt to take advantage of online as well as offline internships. There are pros and cons in both online and offline learning when it comes to Continuing Professional Development. To help you decide which one is better for students, you will get to know the main differences between them in the later blog.

INTRODUCTION

As we know, doing internships is no longer an option for college students, but a need. Many universities and colleges have made internships part of their curriculum across India. With more and more employers seeking applicants with previous job experience, the way out for students is through internships.

They help them gain important professional experience and appreciate the company's work culture as well. First, let's understand the meaning of online and offline internship. Online internship’s means internship from home or a place of convenience at your own pace and at your own sweet time. In offline or traditional internship, an intern works at an organization for a fixed period that allows an individual to get experience of the professional work environment at first hand.

NOW THE QUESTION ARISES:Whether to go for an online or offline Internships: The answer depends on much circumstance. Some of them are listed here-

1. YOUR OWN AVAILABILITY

• When we think about doing any internship, first we look at how much time we have, if we have adequate time, and then one should go for an offline internship as it gives an individual the opportunity to learn the professional ethics of any office.

• If we don't have adequate time, and are busy with other college related works, then one can opt for online internships which can be done remotely.

2. KINDS OF INTERNSHIP

• After this, the question arises that what kind of internship you want to do whether legal researching, drafting, content writing, legal aid, court proceeding and court assistant etc.

• If you want to work as a legal researcher, content writer and preparing memos, then you can opt for online internships as they are mostly webbed related work, but if you want to do internships in legal aid, court proceedings and any other court practice, then offline internships are better for you.

3.EXPECTATIONS FROM THE INTERNSHIP

Another consideration will be what your internship expectations are? Pros and Cons of Online Internships:

• You would lose the ability to see and understand the cultural norms of the workplace during an online internship.

• Similarly, If you want to build your network and communication skills, you should go for an in office internship.

• Whereas an online internship will be a better choice if convenience and versatility matters more to you.

4. AVAILABILITY OF INTERNSHIP AROUND YOU

• If you are unable to find an internship according to your own expectations, then an online internship will give you an opportunity to explore other options too without any geographical barriers.

CONCLUSION

There is a clear-cut answer as to which mode of internship is better because it depends on various factors like offline internships allows you to experience a professional work environment at first hand, on the other hand online internships can be carried out year-round from anywhere according to your convenience.

Whereas offline internships are mostly done out when the person is free from other related works. If you don't want to go down to the workplace, you can pursue an online internship, they have gained a great deal of momentum among college students. Even some reputable companies are offering college students the opportunity of online internships etc. But both the modes have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages.

REFERENCES-

1. Furtado, R., 2017. All About Online Internships For Indian Students. [Online] [Accessed 5 February 2021].

2. Poudel, D., 2017. Which internship is better, online from Internshala or offline?. [Online] [Accessed 5 February 2018].

3. Tiwari, R., 2020. Which one is the best online internship or offline internship?. [Online] [Accessed 5 February 2021].

*The Author is a 3rd year B.A.LLB (Hons) student at School of Law, Sharda University.

Disclaimer: The opinions and views in this article are personal and independent opinions of the author. VAIDHA doesn't hold any liability arising out of this article.