Internships have evolved into essential components of professional development. They offer immersive learning experiences that expose those entering new careers, or a new industry. People can get involved in real-world projects and see innovation solutions in action while also experiencing supportive mentorship, training and pathways to potential full-time roles.

Internships are also crucial proponents of diversity in the workplace. According to research by techUK, only 8.5% of senior leaders in UK tech are from minority ethnic groups and only 16% are female. As the impact of technology on everyone’s lives continues to grow, it is incredibly important that diverse talent is welcomed into the industry from an early stage. In the tech sector, internships provide opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds, laying the groundwork for a more diverse workforce from entry-level into senior leadership.

Today’s internships

Internships serve as the initial step in a person’s professional journey. They offer opportunities to engage with experienced teams and interact with cutting-edge technology. Unlike outdated notions of internships involving mundane tasks like coffee runs and cupboard organising, today’s internships emphasise meaningful work that enhances an intern’s understanding of the technology industry and the impact it has on the world. This rounded experience offers a preview of a fulfilling career that awaits them, aligning with the belief that the first interaction between individuals and an industry should be substantial and enriching.

Mutual benefits of internships

For businesses, internships provide a pipeline of talented, motivated individuals who bring fresh perspectives and skills. Businesses thrive on the people they nurture, and internships allow employers to evaluate potential recruits in real-world scenarios, predicting who will fit into the company culture and contribute positively to progress. Moreover, internships offer employers insights into how they need to adapt their culture to create environments where future employees from different generations will thrive, making it a two-way learning opportunity.

For interns, the benefits are substantial. They gain valuable hands-on experience, training, and networking opportunities that might not be available in academia. My own career in the technology industry, which began with an internship at IBM, revealed a passion for emerging technologies and developing client solutions that I had not previously experienced. Internships can be transformative, igniting passions and shaping career paths.

Internships as a catalyst for diversity

Internships play a crucial role in enhancing workforce diversity by bringing varied perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences into the company. Interns often enter the workplace unburdened by industry norms, ready to inject fresh ideas into projects. By recruiting interns from diverse educational institutions and communities, companies expand their talent pool and create opportunities for underrepresented groups. This contributes to a more inclusive workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Avanade’s STEM Scholars program, for example, invests in the future of young women in STEM disciplines through scholarships, internships, mentoring, and support networks, enabling them to achieve their educational and career goals.

Initiating inclusive internship programs

To attract a diverse range of interns, businesses should take several key steps. Firstly, look to engage partnerships, that could be with schools, community groups or organisations focused on diverse representation in business. This helps cast a wider net for candidates and businesses benefit from expert consultation and direct access to engaged potential interns.

Offering paid internships is crucial as it ensures everyone has a fair shot, regardless of financial situation. Flexibility also matters—consider remote working or flexible hours to accommodate different needs. Historically, many people have been excluded from industries because they couldn’t afford to work for free or weren’t able to live near company headquarters. Additionally, those who have existing commitments such as caring responsibilities or studying may benefit from the flexibility to fit in work without sacrificing other obligations.

Ensure your program promotes inclusivity and communicates a commitment to diversity and equity. Providing support like mentorship and professional development shows interns that the company is invested in their growth. Continuously review and improve your internship approach based on feedback. These efforts create a workplace that’s not just diverse but genuinely inclusive and supportive.

Internships for impact

To make internships more impactful, businesses can start by ensuring their program actively promotes inclusivity and communicates a strong commitment to diversity and equity. This can be achieved by fostering a welcoming environment where interns from all backgrounds feel valued and respected.

Providing robust support systems is crucial. Mentorship programs, where interns are paired with experienced professionals who provide guidance and career advice, help interns navigate challenges and maximise their learning experience. Where possible, it’s important to pair interns with mentors from similar backgrounds so they can see their future possibilities in front of them. I owe a lot to mentors and advocates I’ve met throughout my career, who gave me crucial guidance to set me on the track to where I am today.

Continuous evaluation and refinement of the internship program ensures that interns receive true benefits from their time with the company. These efforts not only enhance diversity within the workforce but also cultivate a workplace culture that is genuinely inclusive and supportive of all employees.

Preparing the tech leaders of the future

The technology sector must take action to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Internships offer businesses a pipeline of fresh talent and perspectives, while providing interns with invaluable experience and opportunities. By focusing on inclusivity, mentorship, and continuous improvement, companies can create internship programs that not only attract diverse candidates but also support and empower them. This commitment to diversity and equity ultimately leads to a more innovative, dynamic, and successful workforce.