We’re proud to share that Wakestart has been recognized as a Rising Stars in the newly published VI50 Report, an annual recognition of companies leading the forefront of great mentorship, produced by @Virtual Internships.
The VI50 celebrates the best remote companies to intern with worldwide, based on feedback from more than 1,500 interns. It highlights organizations that deliver mentorship-driven internships, programs that combine structure, real-world projects, and measurable long-term impact.
🏆 Download here to see the full rankings, data insights, and case studies
Why the VI50 Findings Matter to Businesses
Analysing a range of internal data from internships taking place from November 2024 to June 2025, the report found that strong mentorship is the primary driver of internship success, benefitting both the intern and the organization.
The VI50 recognizes 50 organisations worldwide that put mentorship, structure, and real-world projects at the heart of their internship programs, and the results speak for themselves:
- 40% higher intern satisfaction in companies with strong mentorship
- 66% intern-to-full-time conversion rate in structured programs
- Supported interns are 7x more likely to accept a full-time offer
- Managers who mentor see better alignment, stronger teams, and a measurable boost in productivity.
For companies, this isn’t just about giving back; it’s a smart talent strategy. Internships done well create a pipeline for future hires, introduce fresh thinking into projects, and enhance team performance.
How We Approach Mentorship
At Wakestart, we view internships as an opportunity to create mutual value. They provide emerging professionals with the opportunity to apply their skills while contributing to meaningful business objectives.
Our approach focuses on:
- Clear, outcome-oriented projects that align with current priorities
- Regular check-ins and guidance to help interns grow and stay on track
- A supportive environment where curiosity is encouraged, feedback is constructive, and learning goes both ways
By keeping projects structured and communication open, we’ve been able to achieve progress on key tasks while helping interns gain skills and confidence for their next career step.
What This Recognition Means to Us
Being named within VI50 is a reflection of the shared effort between our team and the ambitious interns we’ve worked with.
This recognition is also an opportunity to acknowledge the collaboration behind it:
- Our interns, whose ideas and contributions helped move real projects forward
- Our team mentors, who shared their expertise, offered guidance and created space for learning
It’s a reminder that when internships are designed with intention, they can be both a driver of business progress and a launchpad for future careers.
How to See Growth from Hosting Remote Interns
If you’re exploring ways to bring fresh ideas into your business while developing early-career talent, mentorship-driven internships are a proven way to do it.
Our own journey was made easier with the support of Virtual Internships, from sourcing diverse talent to structuring projects and setting up feedback loops. The result was a program that worked for both sides: we gained valuable contributions on live projects, and our interns left with skills, confidence, and career direction.
Whether you’re a startup or a global organization, the VI50 offers a useful blueprint for building impactful internship programs that deliver measurable benefits.
