Inclusive Internships: Embracing Diversity, Empowering Change

“Diversity is the mix. Inclusion is making the mix work.” –  Andrés Tapia, Diversity and Inclusion Global Strategist at Korn Ferry. 

In recent years, you may have noticed, companies have been ramping up their hiring efforts with a particular focus on diversity and inclusion. Yes, it sounds great on paper and feels morally correct, but why exactly is it so important for companies?  

More importantly, what does it mean for interns like you? Why are brands going out of their way to advocate diversity and inclusion through their internship programs? 

Here’s Why These Dei Initiatives are Important for Internship Programmes 

1. Building a culture of respect. 

First, and probably the most important outcome of driving diversity and inclusion internship programs is that it can make people in the company feel valued and included. It helps in crushing stereotypes and biases within the team, manifesting a culture of respect and belonging within the organisation.

2. Diversity of talent and ideas 

Second, when brands continue to hire interns from similar backgrounds or socio-economic brackets, or even students/graduates from the same B-schools, it can lead to uniform though processes and stifle innovation. Diversity and inclusion open the doors for people from different avenues, welcoming new ideas in the process. The most innovative companies in the world are cases in point — they usually lead the way for inclusive recruitment.

3. Reducing barriers for entry 

Carrying on from the previous point, diversity and inclusion also a way to level the playing field for interns with limited access to opportunities. In the past, good internships have only been accessible to interns who have connections in higher places or go to schools that are not easily accessible to people from underrepresented communities. Of course, this trend is on its way out with many companies promoting internship programs that is welcome for everyone. Zuno advocates for programs that prioritise diversity and inclusion through all our internships – feel free to check out our opportunities. 

4. Fixing unconscious biases  

Finally, another important point that many overlook is how most institutions are resistant or opposed to change, with biases that are subtly baked into their processes. These unconscious biases are not always seen by others, yet they exist. Internship programs that focus on diversity and inclusion help in breaking the norms in these institutions. It helps in changing the notion of what is acceptable and what isn’t. 

We, as part of the internship community, need to make a concerted push to shake things up. Each of you have a crucial role in shaping the future of workplaces. So, let’s explore some opportunities out there that you can apply to and contribute towards making the corporate world, and beyond, a better, more inclusive place. 

Notable Programs Leading the Way

1. Google BOLD Program

Google’s renowned Building Opportunities for Leadership & Development (BOLD) program focuses on recruiting undergrad students from different races & ethnicities, women, and people with disabilities for internships across the company. The goal is to offer these diverse recruits a chance to gain real-world experience through BOLD.

2. Microsoft LEAP Engineering Acceleration Program

Microsoft’s exclusive program emphasises on allowing young interns to hone their tech skills. Their program, LEAP is an immersive 16-week paid experience where they recruit entry-level superstars from diverse backgrounds to unlock their engineering prowess and tackle impactful projects at Microsoft.

3. Meta University

Meta University is an amazing ten-week paid internship program at Meta! Their focus on bringing together first-year college students from historically underrepresented communities of the US, Canada, and Mexico. The program provides hands-on experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities within the tech industry.

4. Apple diversity internship hiring

Although this isn’t a specific internship program, all of Apple’s internships are designed to welcome talented students from varying backgrounds around the world. Interns will be involved in cool projects alongside across various teams at Apple, gaining invaluable experience.

5. LinkedIn REACH Program

REACH program is a technical apprenticeship program at LinkedIn that bridges the opportunity gap for individuals with non-traditional backgrounds. The program is designed to give young talents an opportunity to get their foot in the door in the tech industry and begin or continue their technical career!

These are just some programs from renowned brands, but there are many more such opportunities for interns across different industries. It’s always beneficial to research and explore programs specific to your field of interest and geographical location. 

Companies in India with Inclusive Internships

1. Google

Google’s BOLD program is an annual paid summer internship program that is open for students around the world, including India. Candidates who are currently in their 3rd year in a 4-year BA/BS program or a 4th year in a 5-year BA/BS program that are interested in working in technology and full-time opportunities at Google can apply. BOLD interns join teams across Sales, Marketing, People Operations, and many others.

How to apply?

The BOLD program application for summer 2024 is scheduled to open mid-September 2023 for about a month. When the application window opens, candidates can apply directly from the application link in the Google BOLD program page.

2. Microsoft

Microsoft launched the LEAP program in 2015 to introduce a more inclusive workforce in the tech industry. It helps interns exercise their in-classroom learning at hands-on engineering projects, working on teams and products within Microsoft like Azure, Xbox, Bing, and Office365. Students from around the world can apply for the program.

How to apply?

Make sure you meet all the minimum requirements for the program before applying, including authorisation to work in the US, if you’re applying for a program there. All applications are online on the Microsoft LEAP landing page. If selected, you’ll have to clear two rounds of 45-minute online interviews before commencing.

3. Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs’ Summer Analyst Program is an eight to ten-week summer internship program that is open for undergraduate students in India, and abroad, to apply. Students pursuing a college or university degree can apply and the program is usually undertaken a year before the final year of their courses. The program offers diversity-focused roles across various functions in finance and business.

How to apply?

The applications for the 2024 Summer Analyst Program are currently open! Students can apply for various roles listed in the Goldman Sachs ‘Careers’ page, under the ‘Programs and Internships’ section. Their Indian office is in Hyderabad, but students can also apply for opportunities in the US, England, Japan and Poland, if they meet the requirements.

4. Accenture

Accenture has a strong focus on diversity and inclusion across their internship programs. They offer paid internships across different business areas in India throughout the year, providing opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain experience and contribute to inclusive workplaces.

How to apply?

Applications for Accenture’s internships follow a run-of-the-mill process, i.e., online applications on their ‘Careers’ page, under ‘Student and Intern Opportunities’. Most of their opportunities are based out of their Bengaluru office.

5. Tata Group internships

The Tata Group offers various internship opportunities across all their brands that focus on diversity and inclusion hiring. Moreover, the Tata Global Internship Program is also open to students of all nationalities including those pursuing a college degree any level of study outside India.

How to apply?

Internships at Tata Group are listed at the respective companies’ careers pages. You can choose to apply at any of the Tata brands of your preference, like TCS, Tata Steel, Tata Motors, Tata Communications, and so on.

For the Tata Global Internships, all students can apply online at the Tata’s ‘Careers’ page. Applicants are required to fill out an application form and submit it along with your resumes and personal statements. If shortlisted, you will need to complete an automated video interview and submit. You will need to clear a final round of video interviews with key business leaders from Tata Group.

There are many other renowned brands in India that prioritise diversity and inclusion in their hiring — you can explore some of these opportunities on foundit.

Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords; they are keys to unlocking success and creating a thriving work environment. By embracing these principles, companies can foster innovation, problem-solving, and financial growth. 

As an intern, you have the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive future by exploring and applying to selective internship programs at renowned brands that focus on diversity. Together, we can make the corporate world a better, more inclusive place for everyone.