Smart Internship
Every Vilnius University student (disregarding study program, degree or year of studies) can do a smart internship. Most important for this internship is your desire to improve your competences, willingness to try out different learning and training opportunities during your studies, and your openness to new things.
2024/2025 academic year autumn semester Smart internship
Registration:
Smart internship plan for 2024/2025 academic year autumn semester:
09.19 Announcement of teams
09.21 Design Thinking methodology training (Location: VU Career Centre, 9 Saulėtekio Ave., Building III, Room 104)
09.23 - 12.10 Internship duration. Smart internship plan
- student’s motivation;
- student’s priorities (prioritization of cases);
- diversity of the team (students of different faculties/ study programs in one team);
- up to 7 persons in a team;
- gender equality aspect.
Cases proposed by organisation
NOD Baltic (ESET Lietuva)
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CASE: How to successfully introduce and present a new category of digital security products to the market and consumers? DESCRIPTION: NOD Baltic (ESET Lietuva) is a cybersecurity company that offers a wide range of products and services designed to protect both home users' devices and global organizations from various cyber threats. The company's products are characterized by high threat detection levels, minimal system impact, user-friendly design, and are tailored for users with limited technical knowledge. It’s common to hear, "I use antivirus software, and that’s enough for me." While antivirus software is indeed an essential cybersecurity tool, it is no longer sufficient as the sole protection in today's context. Recognizing this, ESET introduced next-generation "Digital Life Protection" digital security solutions. In addition to various security features such as identity protection, virtual private network (VPN), password and account management, browser privacy and protection extensions, these solutions also include AI-based phishing detection, AntiSPAM, and antivirus protection for computers, smartphones, tablets, and servers. Although the company offers home users an "all-in-one" protection solution, it is still often associated only with one part of this solution—antivirus software. The company invites a student team to develop a strategy and a detailed action plan that provides insights and actions on how the cybersecurity company can familiarize consumers with the new product category of "digital security solutions" without associating it solely with antivirus software. |
VU Methodical STEAM Education Center
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CASE: How can the principles of universal design be applied to ensure the comfort and accessibility of services and environments provided by the Vilnius University STEAM Center for every visitor? DESCRIPTION: This year, a new Vilnius University Methodical STEAM Education Center will open its doors, located in the former premises of the Vilnius University Planetarium. It will be the largest STEAM center in Lithuania, consisting of 8 modern laboratories where students will engage in practical investigative activities during lessons. The center will also be open for teacher professional development and public events. The principles of universal design aim to make all services and spaces accessible and comfortable for everyone, regardless of physical abilities or other needs. This includes adapting the physical environment and adjusting the educational process to ensure full inclusion and the ability for all visitors to fully utilize the services provided by the Center. The STEAM center also aims to contribute to Vilnius University's sustainable development principles, fostering a society that is responsible towards the environment, community, and the region. The Center expects students to familiarize themselves with the principles of universal design and Vilnius University's sustainable development goals, conduct an analysis of the STEAM center's accessibility for people with various needs, collaborate with different specialists and communities, and provide a detailed proposal with specific, realistic recommendations and sustainable action plans on how to adapt the services and environment of the Vilnius STEAM center according to the principles of universal design and sustainable development. |
What is a smart internship at Vilnius University?
Smart internship is organised in interdisciplinary teams of 5–7 students solving real-life organisations' problems. The whole process is leaded by the internship supervisor from the University and a mentor from a company. Students can do a smart internship voluntarily or as their compulsory internship, if it corresponds to the requirements. A note about the performed internship is included into student's diploma supplement. What is more, every student gets a smart internship diploma confirming gained competence, and a recommendation from the company.
How smart internship is smart?
Benefits to students:
- one more opportunity to gain practical experience during studies;
- development of hard skills and soft skills: team-work, creativity, non-standard thinking, adaptability, problem-solving, etc.;
- growth of social network;
- opportunity to take a wider look at the ways of employing professional competences.
Benefits to organisations:
- opportunity to contribute to the training of future professionals;
- selection of talents – future employees at early stage;
- new (fresh) glance to the problem.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How does a Smart internship work?
Once a week the team meets/calls to discuss the activities carried out individually, together make assumptions and allocate work for the next meeting. At least once every two weeks there is a meeting/call with the organization’s representatives, to whom the team members present the interim results. Responsibilities in the team are shared in order to achieve the weekly task, so the contribution of each participant is very important.
To find out more about the expected activities, take a look at the Smart internship plan!
Does the internship take place face-to-face or remotely?
The format of the internship - online, face-to-face, hybrid - is decided by the team members and the internship supervisor. In the last semesters, teams usually choose to visit the organization at least once in person, with regular team meetings scheduled online and those that require a higher level of involvement scheduled in a contact format.
Where do team meetings take place?
If the team decides to work face-to-face, the participants meet at the organization's premises or in VU spaces (Career centre, Central library or MKIC workrooms) or cafés. In case the team works online, meetings take place on the Teams platform.
Can I combine a Smart internship and a job?
The minimum involvement of a participant is 6 hours per week - 2 hours for the team meeting/call, 2 hours for the team meeting/call with the host organization representatives and 2 hours for homework. Team meetings are organized at a time convenient for all members (after lectures), so if in your schedule you have 6 hours per week for new activity, you can certainly join having other responsibilities!
Do my studies have to meet the Smart internship case?
A Smart internship develops generic competencies, so you can choose to do a Smart internship in an area that's far removed from your professional life.
Can a Smart internship be counted as a compulsory internship?
Vilnius University offers this possibility, but the final decision depends on the internship provisions of the student's department (faculty), for example, whether the practical activities done during Smart internship are related to the study program.
For an individual case, please contact the Internship coordinator Karolina Urban ().
What if I'm not approved?
Next semester, mention in your application form that you have already been applied and your application will be considered in priority order. You may also receive an invitation to swap with a team member in case of a change in the team.
If you are interested in an organization you can contact the representatives by yourself asking about individual internship opportunities.
