As we move forward as a society, the pursuit of creating inclusive work environments has emerged as a crucial imperative. It goes beyond being a passing trend or a mere buzzword; it represents a profound and necessary transformation towards a future where every individual feels genuinely valued, respected, and empowered. The world’s collective realization of the immense strength and potential that lies within diversity has propelled organizations to embrace inclusivity as a core principle. Recognizing that diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences drive innovation and foster creativity, forward-thinking companies are actively working to dismantle barriers and biases that have historically marginalized certain groups.
By creating work environments that appreciate and accept people’s differences, providing fair chances for everyone, and implementing fair policies, organizations can make the most of the diverse talent pool that is out there. While we strive for this goal, we come closer to a world where diversity is not just something we hope for, but something we actively experience. This not only helps organizations achieve greater success, but also enhances the lives of their employees and the communities they serve.
As a leader, I hold the belief that creating inclusive work environments is not just a goal but a necessity in today’s world. In the pursuit of fostering inclusivity, companies can benefit from a powerful catalyst for change: internship programs. While organizations implement various strategies such as policies, educational sessions, and inclusive practices, internships have emerged as a highly effective and transformative way to foster DEI.
Internship programs tailored for marginalized groups, such as the LGBT and PWD communities, offer a valuable gateway for individuals to explore and pursue their dream career opportunities. They provide a unique combination of a learning experience and an inside look into the corporate world, all within an inclusive framework. By specifically targeting and supporting these communities, internship programs create a supportive environment where individuals from these groups can gain practical skills, develop professional networks, and build confidence in their abilities. Moreover, these programs serve as an important platform for companies to actively enable their existing teams to experience the potential of a new talent pool which exists.
Therefore, offering internships that are sensitive to the needs and challenges faced by marginalized groups can not only empower individuals to pursue their aspirations but also contribute to a more inclusive and representative workforce.
When speaking of the advantages of an internship provided at a workplace, particularly for marginalized groups, the following points are worth considering:
Empowerment through Representation: Internship programs targeted at marginalized groups provide an opportunity for individuals to see themselves represented in professional settings. When interns from marginalized backgrounds witness others who share their experiences succeeding in the workplace, it can boost their confidence, inspire them to pursue their career goals, and break down the barriers of self-doubt. It can also expose members of these communities to career options which they may not have been exposed to otherwise. For example, at Godrej Capital, we exist in the BFSI space, and we have learnt from our lateral hiring practices that the percentage of LGBTQ+ or PwD communities in the BFSI talent pool is marginal or absent. Internships in such a scenario provide an avenue for students to experience the many career options that can exist with us.
Access to Mentors and Role Models: Internships for marginalized groups often include mentorship programs, where interns are paired with professionals who can groom talent or even have overcome similar challenges. Having a mentor who understands their unique experiences and can provide guidance and support can be immensely valuable. It helps them navigate workplace dynamics, develop essential skills, and gain insights into career progression. Our education system, while rich, sometimes fails to bridge the skill gap that industry readily looks for. Internships can be the way to solve this problem.
Exposure to new leadership experience – Students are largely exposed to mentors in their academic space. It is rare that they get an opportunity to interact deeply with industry experts. Internships provide students with access to a leader in the industry from whom they can imbibe skills and knowledge about how things work in the real corporate world out there. They learn beyond what a textbook or class discussion can provide. They learn how to apply the learnings in a live scenario and under the aegis of a capable leader.
Creation of Supportive Communities: Internships targeting marginalized groups can foster the formation of supportive communities within the workplace. When individuals from similar backgrounds come together, they can build networks of support, share experiences, and navigate challenges collectively. These communities create a sense of belonging and empower interns to overcome obstacles and thrive in their roles.
Reducing the Opportunity Gap: Internships for marginalized groups can help bridge the opportunity gap by supplying access to resources and experiences that may otherwise be inaccessible. By offering internships with fair compensation, organizations ensure that financial constraints do not prevent talented individuals from participating. This reduces the disparity in opportunities and contributes to a more equitable society.
In addition, internships targeting marginalized groups also offer organizations and stakeholders a multitude of benefits. They enrich workplace diversity and inclusion by accessing a wider talent pool and nurturing innovation and creativity. These programs foster cultural competence, enabling employees and stakeholders to embrace diverse perspectives and enhance communication, collaboration, and engagement with a diverse customer base. Moreover, organizations that prioritize diversity and inclusivity through internship initiatives establish a positive reputation, attract top-tier talent, and cultivate trust among stakeholders. In doing so, organizations not only show their commitment to diversity and inclusion policies, but also reduce legal and reputational risks while building stronger relationships with regulatory bodies and external stakeholders. Ultimately, these internships play a vital role in creating a society that is more inclusive, equitable, and flourishing for everyone involved.
At Godrej Capital our internship journey began a year ago when we partnered with our LGBTQ+ talent partner in their program titled ‘100 Queer Interns.’ On their part the endeavour was to place at least 100 Queer interns across industry in meaningful internships. We were able to onboard a handful or more of students this way and the end outcome was that we offered full-time roles to 50% of the pool that interned with us. This has been of huge impact for us as in the current year, our teams have readily come forward with project ideas to offer to students from the LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities. To say that we were inundated with requests would be a mild statement. It is heartening to know that when an avenue is presented to our teams and people managers, they embrace the responsibility and intent of it wholeheartedly.
This year during Pride month we will be launching the Queer internship program with our own branding titled BeYou @ Godrej Capital. We launch this in an exclusive event later this week and I will write more about it in later posts. Do look out for them.
As the CHRO of our organization, I’m fully dedicated to fostering inclusive work environments where everyone can truly flourish, regardless of their background. I strongly believe that creating specialized internship programs for marginalized groups is a game-changer for driving positive transformations. These programs serve as a bridge to connect people, dismantle barriers, and establish a workplace that celebrates and harnesses the diverse perspectives and talents of every individual. Let’s embark on this journey together, using internships as a powerful tool to build a brighter, fairer future where everyone feels empowered to make their mark.
Ruhie Pande 