You are familiar with the traditional internship model, in which a student works at an organization to gain experience and perhaps a full-time job after graduation. With today’s internet technology, more and more companies are hiring virtual interns, who work from their college computers. Virtual interns do a variety of tasks, including secretarial work, software and website development, and information technology projects. Most virtual interns never even set foot inside the organization’s facilities.

Entrepreneurs Nataly Kogan and Avi Spivack cofounded Natavi Guides, a New York small business, in 2002, to publish guidebooks for students. Natavi hires virtual interns to write stories and locates people by posting openings with career offices at more than 30 universities nationwide. Kogan estimates that Natavi saved $100,000 in overhead during the first year in business by not having to furnish office space, computers, and other equipment to interns.

1. What are the benefits of virtual internships to employers and to interns?

2. Should a student be given college credit for a virtual internship, or should he or she receive only pay without credit—a part-time job?

3. Is it ethical and socially responsible to use interns instead of regular employees?

4. Will the use of virtual interns become the norm, or will the practice fade?