Virtual placement drives: Breaking barriers for online students

With the shift to an online mode of learning, many educational institutions have begun offering virtual placement drives lately to provide online students with valuable employment opportunities. Virtual placement drives have grown in popularity over the past few years to help online students looking to acquire practical working experience. While conventional on-site placement drives are still a crucial component of the conventional educational system, virtual placement drives have some special advantages. Virtual placement drives provide a wider range of opportunities to help online students surmount the challenges they experience while looking for employment opportunities. 

You can also read: How online learning bridges the skills gap and improves placement outcomes.

What are virtual placements?

Virtual placement drives take place completely online in comparison to on-campus placement drives. Institutions usually link alumni and students to enterprises online to help online students bag employment opportunities that will aid them in building their careers. Online placement drives frequently involve several screenings, tests, and evaluations that are conducted virtually rather than in-person. Hiring managers use resources such as video conferencing tools, chat rooms, and online screening tests to hire online students through virtual placements. Additionally, virtual placements open up diverse opportunities for online students as it connects them to businesses from different parts of the country. 

Benefits of virtual placement drives for online students 

Virtual placement events for online students have several advantages that can aid in job placement and career launching. Discussed below are some of the advantages of virtual placement drives.

• Access to a plethora of opportunities 

Online students have access to employment possibilities from all over the globe, thanks to virtual placement drives. They can register for jobs in various cities, states, or even overseas countries as long as they’re connected to an internet connection. This makes opportunities accessible to them that they might not have otherwise. Regardless of where they live, they can register for apprenticeships and entry-level employment opportunities that suit their passions and skill set.

• Increased flexibility 

Virtual placement campaigns allow students to participate in interviews from the convenience of their homes. They do not have to stress about making lengthy trips, taking time off work, or skipping courses. They can arrange interviews at their leisure while engaging in them from any location worldwide. Students who must balance their education with other commitments like vocations or household obligations will particularly benefit from this.

• Level playing field 

A level playing field is created for all candidates participating in virtual placement drives, independent of their past or position. The chance to demonstrate one’s abilities and skills is the same for both traditional university students and online students. Based on their merits and qualifications, they are eligible to vie for the same positions and opportunities as other hopefuls. This is crucial for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not be privy to the same opportunities and amenities as their peers.

• Lower expenses 

It can be costly to attend in-person placement events, particularly for online students who may have to travel far to do so. Virtual placement sessions do away with the need for lodging and other related expenses like travel. Online learners can thus save money and use it to further their schooling or their personal development.

• Building professional connections 

Every career requires networking and developing connections with other professionals, but for online students, it can be especially difficult because they might not have numerous possibilities to interact with experts in their area. Virtual placements can give online students beneficial networking opportunities by placing them in sync with experts in their field. For instance, students might have the chance to work with a marketing firm and communicate with practitioners in the field through a virtual marketing placement. This enables participants to develop connections with experts who may be able to offer guidance, career chances, and even mentorship.

• Exposure to diverse industries 

Online students who participate in virtual placement drives get the chance to research various businesses and sectors. They can gain knowledge of various employment functions, career options, and workplace cultures. They can converse with recruiters from various businesses and learn useful information about the recruiting procedure. They will be better able to choose a job that suits their abilities, passions, and beliefs, thanks to this exposure.

• Enhanced communication skills

Virtual placement drives depend on online communication channels like chat, email, and video conferencing. This means that students taking classes online have the chance to improve their communication skills and illustrate their aptitude for working in a technologically advanced setting. Even if they aren’t in the same geographical location, they can show that they can communicate clearly with prospective employers. This is a worthwhile ability in the modern digital era, where remote jobs and virtual collaboration have grown more prevalent.

You can also read: From student to professional: A guide to placement after an online course.

Conclusion

Thus to conclude, virtual placement drives serve as an invaluable resource in helping online students surpass roadblocks to landing employment opportunities and gaining work experience. It thus helps online students to thrive in their academic and professional endeavors. Virtual placement drives offer the chance to network professionally, provide flexibility, and access to a broader range of opportunities to help online students surpass their difficulties. Virtual placement drives will turn into an even more significant tool for students looking to acquire worthwhile work experience as e-learning will continue to grow in the coming years. 

Online Manipal prepares all students who have enrolled for various online degrees and certifications from the prestigious universities/ institutes like Manipal university jaipur (MUJ), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), and T.A Pai Management Institute for placements through industry-readiness sessions, skill assessments, resume and LinkedIn profile building, career counseling, regular job postings, and virtual placement drives.