The Importance of Internships and Practical’s: How to Benefit Your Company

Julie Starr • February 28, 2022



A recent study showed that 82% of employers believe that practical experience, such as internships and practicums, is crucial when it comes to finding the right employees. This is because these experiences give students a chance to apply their learning in a real-world setting and develop the skills they need to be successful in their chosen field.

Benefits for the Student 

As a student, you may be wondering why internships are so important. After all, you already have a lot on your plate with classes and homework. However, internships and practicals are essential for a couple of reasons.

Gain Experience 

They offer students the opportunity to gain experience in their desired field and learn new skills, which can give them an edge when they graduate and look for a job.

See What it is Like to Work in a Certain Field or Industry

It gives students the chance to learn about different aspects of the company and how everything works together. It also allows them to develop new skills and knowledge that they may not have learned in school.

To Be or Not to Be

Not only will you learn about what it is like to work in a specific field or industry, but you will also be able to determine if that is something you would like to pursue as a career. It can be an invaluable experience that will help you decide on your future career path.

Network with Professionals 

They also give you the chance to network with professionals and build relationships that can help you in your career.

Earn While Learning 

You can also earn money during the internship or practical period. Although it might not be a full-fledged salary, it is satisfying to be able to get cash in your account while gaining the knowledge needed to further your future.

Benefits for the Company

Suppose your company offers internships or places to do practicals, congratulations! You are already ahead of the curve when it comes to preparing your employees for the real world. But why is this so important? And what benefits can your company reap from offering these opportunities? First, of course, there are many benefits that internships offer employers as well. 

Team Player and Hard Worker

They can help with tasks that may be outside of the normal scope of work for full-time employees, which in turn will free up time for employees to work on more critical projects.

Evaluate if it’s a Perfect 

They also allow companies to evaluate potential employees in a real-world setting and see if they would be a good fit for the company.  

Fresh Blood 

Get new ideas from the student. Interns can provide fresh perspectives on projects. You can also gain new skills and knowledge from the student.

Give Back to the Community 

If your company is looking for a way to give back to the community , offering internships or places to do practicals is a great way to do it. 

Hiring Made Easy 

In addition, internships can help employers save money on training costs, and they provide a way to assess potential future employees.

Budget-Friendly

Interns and those doing practicals are often cheaper to hire than experienced employees; in some cases, they may even work for free.

Where to Find Internships and Practicals Companies 

If you’re interested in finding an internship, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, think about what you want to get out of the experience. Do you want to learn new skills? Gain experience in your field? Or network with professionals? Once you know what you’re looking for, you can start your search. There are many online resources that can help you find internships and practicals. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Company website
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook pages of companies you’re interested in working for
  • Job boards (e.g., Indeed, Glassdoor)
  • Local newspapers/classifieds sections
  • Career fairs
  • Internships.com
  • Preceptor Tree  

Internships on the Rise 

Did you know that according to a study done by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 63.1% of employers planned to hire interns? Internships and practicals are becoming more and more popular every year, and for a good reason! They offer many benefits for both the employer and the employee. 

If you are a company, consider offering internships and practicals to students. It is a great way to evaluate potential employees and also gives the company new ideas. Hiring interns full-time is a win-win for both the company and the student!

The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Your Strategy in an Evolving Landscape

By Julie Starr • February 17, 2025
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 7, 2025
I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects.  The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.
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