In this highly competitive business world, it becomes increasingly important for small business entrepreneurs to create and implement internship programs. While an entrepreneur may just be in the early stages of their business, they can l use interns to help gain traction and provide just as much value as employees.
There are several advantages to integrating interns within your business plan. First, interns can provide valuable skills for business goals and projects. They come with a fresh perspective and often with the latest in technology and other foundational business acumen that can help businesses accomplish their goals.
“In my own internship, my mentors found out I wrote poetry when I was talking about my day. To my surprise, they presented me with an opportunity to write poems for the company to enhance their brand image. To me, this opportunity was maximizing the value I could bring to the organization.”
Manavi Chandra
Assigning interns to projects based on their skills and passions can also help alleviate some of the stress your staff is experiencing by pitching in and helping with day-to-day tasks and projects.
Another significant advantage: high performing interns can be recruited as fractional or full time employees. They comfortable with your work culture and company values eliminates the adjustment period that comes with hiring future employees outside your organization. Look for an intern who takes your business goals seriously and is performing well.
One of the biggest benefits to incorporating interns is the opportunity to give back to the community, encourage your staff to become mentors, and help an emerging professional to use their skills and passions to help grow your business.
According to a study conducted by Career Development International on the benefits of internships for interns: “by performing job tasks and spending time with professionals within one’s desired career area, internships provide students with the opportunity to gain knowledge about careers within an industry, identify general work-related preferences, and develop deeper vocational interests.”
Mentoring interns can be rewarding, and you may just find yourself learning just as much as the interns do working with you.
There are many benefits to hiring interns. So, the question isn’t whether to hire an intern or not. The question is: what are you waiting for?
P.S. If the answer to that question is “where do I begin?” or “Is my business eligible for having interns?” be sure to check out our Build Your World Class Internship program.