Internships Offer On-the-Job Training—For Students and Employers
Every morning, Khatia Jambazishvili hurries to her new job at the Association for the Protection of Landowner’s Rights. Jambazishvili, a recent college graduate, was hired into a permanent position after participating in the EF-sponsored Youth National Internship Program.
Georgian graduates apply for the National Internship Program. Credit: EF Georgia
The concept of internships is still new in Georgia. Young people—often overwhelmed by the post-college job search—frequently lack the necessary skills and experience to compete in a competitive job market. Meanwhile, many businesses in Georgia still prefer to hire staff through networks of personal and family connections, but at the same time complain that they are unable to find reliable, skilled and motivated workers.
To address this need, EF awarded a grant to the Business Ethics Association (BEA) in Georgia to set up an internship program to help recent college graduates gain professional experience. The program’s 150 participants were chosen through a competitive selection process from over 700 applicants.
Over the next few months, interns developed valuable skills working for private companies, government agencies, media outlets and non-profit organizations. Jambazishvili’s internship was especially fruitful: “According to my contract, the internship was supposed to last three months, but on the third day of my internship they began delegating many tasks to me. After two months, I was offered a permanent position.” Jambazishvili was one of 35 interns hired by their organizations.
Interns gain valuable skills and important exposure to the workplace, which better positions them to compete in Georgia’s job market. And as employers begin to recognize the benefits of internships, more and more companies are expressing interest in the program. To capitalize on this, BEA is seeking sponsorship from local companies to ensure the program’s sustainability.
