AN internship is not just a line on a résumé or an opportunity to repost on social media. Many young people view internships as a gateway between studies and employment. This is very practical for gaining experience and learning beyond the theoretical approaches offered in classrooms. It is a chance to build a strong network in a student’s or graduate’s area of interest, yet for many students, internships can be out of reach.

In Guyana, there are usually “work-study” opportunities at government agencies after the CSEC examinations. However, these slots are limited and are usually filled quickly. Many of the internships that might be readily available are unpaid. As such, finances can be a very difficult barrier to attending internships. Unless your parents or guardians are able to provide you with the financial assistance to attend your internship, you might not be able to do so because of this reality. Students from low-income families often face a dilemma. Do they attend the internship to gain experience, or do they simply find a job and start working to earn an income? Talent and ambition should never be limited by financial circumstances.

There is also concern among Georgians who have access to the internship locations. For international opportunities, there are barriers to travel and cost. Local opportunities are usually available in urban centres. As such, rural students would have to travel to these areas or even relocate for a few weeks. This can disrupt their routine and comes at a hefty cost. As such, these young people would have to miss out on these opportunities simply because of where they live.

While these points are important to note, accessibility is about more than just money or location. There are also social and cultural barriers to consider, such as inclusivity for people living with disabilities, gender discrimination, racism and other forms of social exclusion. An internship should be a place where young professionals are encouraged to learn and contribute, not where they are excluded because of circumstances beyond their control.

I am writing this column with young people in mind. I was once in that position where I felt helpless, with little to no opportunities to gain work experience in a world that demands it for almost any position. Internships should be accessible and beneficial to everyone. I believe the government, private institutions, and universities all have a vital role and obligation to provide more internship opportunities and make them accessible. There should be more opportunities for paid internships; travel and accommodation support; greater use of remote and hybrid placements where appropriate; and agencies should recruit through processes that are transparent and inclusive.

Internships should not be viewed as privileges reserved for the fortunate. They are investments in the next generation of workers, leaders and innovators. Every student deserves the opportunity to apply their knowledge, develop practical skills and discover their potential, regardless of their financial situation or where they come from. If we truly believe in equal opportunity, then we must ensure that internships are accessible to everyone. The future of our workforce depends not on who has the most connections or resources, but on creating opportunities for every young person with the talent and determination to succeed.