Internships create powerful win-win opportunities for both students and employers when structured properly. IALR’s Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Kiana Dillard, explains how these programs build talent pipelines while giving students valuable real-world experience.
- Internships provide structured learning opportunities where students develop skills while exploring potential career paths
- IALR offers personalized consultation to help businesses create meaningful internship experiences
- Successful internship programs require clear goals, meaningful projects, mentorship, structure and paid compensation
- Virginia Talent and Opportunity Partnership provides matching funds covering 50% of costs for businesses with 150 employees or fewer
- Success stories include students being hired by their internship employers after demonstrating valuable contributions
- Alternative work-based learning programs include teacher externships, STEM camps, career fairs and apprenticeships
- Internships don’t have to be full-time summer experiences—part-time positions during academic terms can work well
Learn more and get connected to resources: https://www.ialr.org/supporting-internships/host-an-intern/
