By Avishek Sarkar
Training and internship programs have become essential parts of modern education and career growth. While formal education gives students the basic knowledge needed to understand their field, real-world experience through training and internships helps them use, improve, and expand that knowledge in actual work situations. As industries change quickly because of new technologies, globalization, and competition, the need for training and internships has become even more important. They help connect classroom learning with professional work, giving individuals not just technical skills, but also important life skills, confidence, and a better understanding of how to succeed in a job. One main reason training and internships are so important is that they give students and new professionals real experience.
Learning in a classroom is important, but it often doesn’t show how complicated or unpredictable real work can be. Through internships, people get to see how industry practices work, how companies operate, and what employers expect. They learn how what they’ve studied in books applies to daily tasks, making decisions, and solving problems. This hands-on experience makes what they learn in school more meaningful and relevant. For example, engineering students who study design in class can better understand those ideas when they see them being used on-site. Business students who learn about marketing in theory gain a clearer idea of its importance when they work on market research or branding projects during internships. Training and internships also help develop skills that are not always easy to teach in a classroom. Technical skills like using specific tools, software, or following strict procedures are often best learned through practice. Beyond that, internships help build soft skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and time management. These abilities are highly valued by employers, who often look for people with a mix of technical knowledge and these essential life skills. Interacting with supervisors, attending meetings, meeting deadlines, and working with colleagues all help build a more complete skill set that prepares people for the challenges of professional life. Another important benefit of internships is the chance to build a network and make professional connections.
Networking is a big part of career development, as the people you meet while working can lead to mentorship, job opportunities, and long-term support. During internships, individuals get to work closely with industry experts, observe how leaders handle things, and get advice from experienced professionals. These relationships offer guidance even after the internship ends, helping people make better career choices and handle challenges as they move forward in their careers. Internships also help people figure out what they want to do in their careers. Many students enter college with only a general idea of what their future jobs might be like. Internships give them a chance to experience different aspects of an industry, helping them discover what kind of work they enjoy and what fits their strengths and goals. Sometimes, students find that their original plans don’t match what they experience on the job. In other cases, an internship may spark a passion for a specific field, encouraging them to pursue more training or education in that area. This clarity is important for making informed decisions and avoiding costly mistakes in their careers. Internships also help build confidence. Starting a job can be scary, especially for students who have never worked in a professional setting. Training programs offer a safe environment where people can learn, make mistakes, and ask questions without fear. As they complete tasks, contribute to team projects, and get feedback, they build confidence. This confidence helps them perform better in job interviews and professional settings, allowing them to present themselves more effectively and handle pressure better. From the employer’s point of view, training and internships are also very beneficial. Companies can get fresh talent, new ideas, and enthusiastic workers who are eager to learn. Interns often bring new perspectives and up-to-date knowledge from school, which can help with productivity and innovation. Plus, internships act like extended interviews, giving employers a chance to see how well an intern works, their attitude, and how well they fit into the company culture before making a hiring decision. This reduces the risk of hiring the wrong person and helps companies find people who are already familiar with their systems and expectations. Many businesses prefer to hire former interns because they need less training and are already part of the team. Training programs also help close skill gaps in the workforce. As industries change, the need for new skills grows. Training efforts, whether from schools, companies, or government agencies, help people stay relevant and competitive. These programs help people learn new technologies, use new tools, and understand new industry standards. They also support ongoing learning, which is crucial for career growth in today’s fast-changing work environment.
In addition to helping with professional goals, internships also support personal growth. Working in different environments exposes people to new cultures, values, and ways of thinking. Internships encourage maturity, responsibility, and self-awareness. People learn to handle multiple tasks, manage expectations, and deal with challenges on their own. These experiences build resilience and prepare people for the uncertainties of adult life and their careers. Finally, internships improve employability. Employers now look for candidates with real-world experience, not just academic qualifications. A resume that includes relevant internships shows that a candidate is proactive, has real experience, and can apply their knowledge effectively. In tough job markets, having internship experience can make a big difference and increase the chances of getting a desired job. In short, training and internships are very valuable for career preparation and professional growth. They connect theory with practice, give essential skills, and help shape career goals. They help build strong professional networks, boost confidence, and improve job chances. For employers and industries, internships provide access to skilled, motivated workers and support continuous learning and innovation. In a world that is always changing, the importance of training and internships can’t be ignored.
References
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Sharma, S. N. (2024). REWARD–Rejuvenating Watersheds for Agricultural Resilience through Innovative Development Programme. Eduindex News
Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, K. (2025). A systematic literature review of pedestrian safety in urban transport systems. Journal of Road Safety, 36(4), 55-78.
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Sharma, S. N. (2025). Strategies and Opportunities for Urban Finance for the Mass Rapid Transit System. Available at SSRN 5398630.
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Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, K. (2023). Fundamentals of Planning and Design of Housing A textbook for Undergraduate Students of Architecture and Planning. Available at SSRN 5437256.
Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, K. (2025). A Systematic Literature Review of Transit-Oriented Development to Assess Its Role in Economic Development of City. Transportation in Developing Economies, 11(2), 23.
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Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, K. (2023). Ethnographic Study of Equity in Planning–Case of Slums of Ranchi. Available at SSRN 5400581.
Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of Area Appreciation and Space Perceptions A Textbook for Students of Architecture and Planning. Available at SSRN 5437257.
