The relationship between employers and interns is mutually beneficial—employers get extra help, and interns get real-world working experience on which they can build their careers. Fortunately, thanks to innovative thinking, these relationships have not ended with the COVID-19 outbreak—employers, such as Lincoln Financial Group, are embracing virtual and remote internships.

In line with its commitment to developing the future workforce, Lincoln acted swiftly to ensure college students and graduates could still secure internship opportunities in 2020 despite the pandemic. This year, the company is conducting its internship program virtually, with college students and recent graduates participating in the intensive program focused on experiential learning, leadership exposure, and building professional acumen.

As part of the program, interns interact with organization leaders each week and benefit from virtual mentorships, career development webinars, and an executive leadership speaker series. Lincoln aims to achieve the same objectives with its virtual internships that traditional in-office internships would offer.

In explaining why it is important to continue the internships in the wake of the pandemic, President and CEO Dennis R. Glass cites the significance of internships not only to Lincoln but to the workforce at large.

"We are confident these virtual programs will provide the kind of robust developmental experiences that will prepare these individuals for their careers, help us fortify our talent pipeline to ensure we continue to deliver the best possible services to our customers, and will strengthen the overall American talent pool and help our nation rebuild its economy in the aftermath of this tumultuous time."