View this article in the Virginian-Pilot…
by Kirk Cox & Virginia Chamber President & CEO Cathie Vick
Virginia has been named “America’s Top State for Business” by CNBC an unprecedented six times, including just last year. That kind of recognition doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of smart, sustained investment in one critical area: talent.
The commonwealth’s edge comes from preparing, attracting and retaining a world-class workforce. Our colleges, universities and exceptional community college system help students earn high-quality degrees and industry-recognized credentials. But our real competitive advantage comes when students and employers connect early — often during college — through internships and other work-based learning experiences.
These hands-on opportunities launch careers and help businesses find and keep the talent they need. Internships often lead to full-time jobs and offer students a bridge to meaningful employment in Virginia. It’s a win for students, a win for employers, and a win for the state’s long-term growth.
Virginians agree. According to a recent public opinion survey conducted for the Virginia Business Higher Education Council (VBHEC), more than 90% of Virginians say it’s important for the state to invest in internships, co-ops and work-based learning programs. A majority — 57% — say it’s “very important.”
When we attended James Madison University, we both benefited not only from excellent academics but also from meaningful work-based learning that helped launch our careers. Now, through our leadership of VBHEC and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, we’re working to expand those opportunities to every higher education student in Virginia.
In fact, Virginia is the first state in the nation to establish a statewide goal — now written into law — to offer at least one paid internship to every student who wants one.
Despite this momentum, access is still uneven. According to a recent State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) survey of nearly 15,350 graduates, fewer than half had internships in college. But among those who did, most said the experience helped them land a job after graduation.
That gap highlights the need for more public-private partnerships, better career coaching and more robust on-campus internship placement support. Employers also have a strong incentive to participate. According to data from the Business Higher Education Forum, work-based learning is one of the most effective tools for recruiting new talent.
These internships aren’t just good for students — they help Virginia retain its graduates. Students who build early connections with in-state employers are more likely to stay and grow their careers here, strengthening our economy and easing workforce shortages.
Many large companies in Virginia already offer robust internship programs and partner closely with our higher education institutions. But more than 70% of Virginians work for businesses with fewer than 50 employees — companies that often lack the resources to build internship programs on their own.
That’s where state support comes in. In a bipartisan effort, Virginia’s elected officials have worked with business and education leaders to invest in solutions. Grants are funding on-campus internship centers and the development of an online platform to connect students and employers. Matching funds are also available to help small and mid-size businesses provide paid internships by covering student compensation and other costs.
These are practical, proven solutions. But success depends on coordination. Our organizations are working closely with Virginia’s colleges and universities, SCHEV, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Virginia Works — the state’s new workforce agency — to make sure these initiatives reach their full potential.
We’re grateful to the General Assembly and the governor for supporting this effort. As the public survey shows, Virginians across the political spectrum agree: This is a smart, bipartisan investment in our future.
Now is the time to build on that momentum — by giving more students hands-on experience, helping more businesses grow their workforce and securing Virginia’s place as America’s Top State for Talent.
Kirk Cox is a former speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates who serves as president of the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. Cathie Vick is president and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.