Staj

Staj is a term used in several languages to denote a period of practical training or internship designed to provide hands-on experience and exposure to professional work. It is commonly undertaken by students or recent graduates as part of an education program, a licensing process, or early career development. The concept can involve placement in a company, public institution, or academic setting, and outcomes typically include gained skills, professional contacts, and potential employment opportunities.

The word is cognate with terms such as stage or internship in various European languages. In Turkish, staj refers specifically to an internship or training period and is often integral to professional trajectories in fields like engineering, medicine, or law. Similar concepts exist in Polish (staż), Czech or Slovak (stáž), and other Central and Eastern European languages, usually tied to structured programs that may be credit-bearing or funded.

Regulation and practice vary by country and sector. Some staj programs are mandatory for licensure or graduation, while others are voluntary work experiences. They can be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, and typically involve supervision, evaluation, and sometimes formal recognition or credit. The quality and expectations of staj placements can differ widely depending on the institutions involved and the industry.

See also: internship, apprenticeship, professional licensure, education.