Entry by Pat Patterson; from the November INTERNnetwork
Before you decide to host an intern, you should consider the benefits and whether it’s practical for your organization.
Interns can:
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complete project work that may be on the backburner;
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increase productivity;
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reduce recruiting costs; and
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bring fresh, innovative perspectives to your organization.
Hosting an intern can allow you to:
- provide a student with a rich learning experience;
- offer management experience to employees working as intern supervisors;
- market your company via word of mouth; and
- begin training potential full-time employees.
Is it practical?
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Do you have the appropriate staff to support an intern?
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Do you have meaningful project work to assign?
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What will be the duration of the internship?
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What is the best time of year to host an intern?
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Do you plan on potentially hiring an intern full-time?
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Do you have difficulty finding qualified candidates for your positions?
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Does your organization lack fresh, new ideas?
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Do you have the physical resources to support an intern?
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Do you have the financial resources to support an intern?
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Do you have the resources to find an intern? (Check out Indiana INTERNnet, a free online resource for locating interns in Indiana.)
Stay up-to-date on federal regulations by reading the Department of Labor Guidelines on Internships. It includes information on unpaid opportunities.
If you are still unsure whether your organization is ready for an intern, invite Indiana INTERNnet staff to present a brown bag lunch series to your staff. In just three short weeks, your staff will learn how to establish an internship program with the goal of mutual benefit for your company and Indiana students.
