Giving Tuesday is more than a moment for generosity—it’s a chance to reflect on how we can create lasting change. One of the most impactful ways we can do this is by providing students with paid professional experiences that open doors to meaningful careers.

For many students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, the path from education to employment is fraught with challenges. Unpaid internships, financial barriers, and limited access to professional networks often stand in the way of gaining the experiences they need to thrive.

Why Paid Experiences Matter

Paid professional opportunities are about more than earning a paycheck—they’re about access, equity, and empowerment. For students, these experiences provide:

• Skill development: Gaining hands-on experience in professional settings.
• Financial support: Making it possible for students to focus on career growth without sacrificing financial stability.
• Career connections: Opening doors to mentorships, referrals, and opportunities that extend beyond a single project.

But it’s not just students who benefit. Employers have a critical role to play in creating these opportunities, and they reap the rewards of doing so.

The Employer’s Role in Building Opportunity

Providing paid professional experiences is a strategic investment in our future workforce. Employers that engage students early benefit by:

• Building a diverse and equitable talent pipeline. Paid experiences help level the playing field, ensuring candidates of all backgrounds can access the opportunities they deserve.
• Strengthening their brand. Companies that invest in career development signal to students—and the broader workforce—that they value equity, opportunity, and future talent.
• Creating long-term impact. Students who gain paid experiences carry those skills and connections into their careers, shaping a more prepared and inclusive workforce.

Through initiatives like Gigs for Good, employers can provide paid Micro-Internships at no cost, thanks to the support of Parker Dewey's employer, university, and nonprofit partners.

Looking Ahead

This Giving Tuesday, let’s think about opportunity in a new way—not just as something we give, but as something we create. By providing paid professional experiences, we’re not just helping students take the first steps in their careers—we’re building a stronger, more equitable workforce for the future.

If your organization is ready to join this effort, learn more about Gigs for Good and how you can provide these opportunities.

Questions? We'd love to connect with you.