For many companies, internship programs seem like more trouble than they are worth. Interns need a great deal of attention and training, may not be able to deliver quality work, and can be gone just as they’re getting up to speed.
Unpaid internships walk a legal fine line and are generally not recommended. Interns are not a fast track to free labor and they are more than just coffee runners and copy-machine jockeys.
You may be wondering, what exactly are the advantages of interns to my company? Here are four tangible benefits of an established, well-thought-out internship program.
1. Internship programs create a pipeline of future employees
Recruitment may be the single biggest argument for implementing an internship program. In a poll conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, most employers felt that their internship program was the best return on investment as a recruitment strategy. Tapping into the next generation of workers now can create a pipeline of talent for your business in the future. This ensures your business is top-of-mind when interns seek permanent career options. Plus, you have the benefit of already knowing whether or not that individual is a good fit for your company.
2. Former interns are perfect for entry-level positions
Interns spend several weeks learning the ins and outs of your business, making connections with your staff, and putting newfound skills to the test. This makes them prime candidates for your entry-level openings. In fact, over 60 percent of all interns convert into full-time hires, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. An internship program gives you the ability to transition top interns to permanent employees with ease.
3. Interns offer fresh perspectives
No two interns are alike. Some may be college graduates. Others may be professionals looking to get their foot in a new industry. Regardless, an internship program can bring a diverse group of people to your doorstep. While an internship is a learning opportunity for the intern, it also allows you to take advantage of new ideas, different skill sets, and fresh perspectives. Plus, research shows that diverse workforces are crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in today’s marketplace.
4. Training interns helps develop internal leaders
When employees are tasked with showing someone else the ropes, they develop their own leadership skills. They have a hand in the intern’s development and therefore may be more vested to seeing that individual succeed. It reinforces their value and worth to the company and helps them feel challenged and engaged with their work.
Internship programs do require extra effort, but when done right, have the potential to save your business money and encourage growth. From recruiting and reduced turnover to increased employee engagement and new ideas—what’s that worth to your company?
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For many companies, internship programs seem like more trouble than they are worth. Interns need a great deal of attention and training, may not be able to deliver quality work, and can be gone just as they’re getting up to speed.
Unpaid internships walk a legal fine line and are generally not recommended. Interns are not a fast track to free labor and they are more than just coffee runners and copy-machine jockeys.
You may be wondering, what exactly are the advantages of interns to my company? Here are four tangible benefits of an established, well-thought-out internship program.
1. Internship programs create a pipeline of future employees
Recruitment may be the single biggest argument for implementing an internship program. In a poll conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, most employers felt that their internship program was the best return on investment as a recruitment strategy. Tapping into the next generation of workers now can create a pipeline of talent for your business in the future. This ensures your business is top-of-mind when interns seek permanent career options. Plus, you have the benefit of already knowing whether or not that individual is a good fit for your company.
2. Former interns are perfect for entry-level positions
Interns spend several weeks learning the ins and outs of your business, making connections with your staff, and putting newfound skills to the test. This makes them prime candidates for your entry-level openings. In fact, over 60 percent of all interns convert into full-time hires, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. An internship program gives you the ability to transition top interns to permanent employees with ease.
3. Interns offer fresh perspectives
No two interns are alike. Some may be college graduates. Others may be professionals looking to get their foot in a new industry. Regardless, an internship program can bring a diverse group of people to your doorstep. While an internship is a learning opportunity for the intern, it also allows you to take advantage of new ideas, different skill sets, and fresh perspectives. Plus, research shows that diverse workforces are crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in today’s marketplace.
4. Training interns helps develop internal leaders
When employees are tasked with showing someone else the ropes, they develop their own leadership skills. They have a hand in the intern’s development and therefore may be more vested to seeing that individual succeed. It reinforces their value and worth to the company and helps them feel challenged and engaged with their work.
Internship programs do require extra effort, but when done right, have the potential to save your business money and encourage growth. From recruiting and reduced turnover to increased employee engagement and new ideas—what’s that worth to your company?
Sign up for our newsletter
Sign up for our monthly HIVE newsletter and get tips for finding a job, managing a business and advancing your career right in your inbox.