In today’s economy, it can be difficult to attract the best employees and retain them in your organization, especially if you’re small or just starting. One way to ensure that you’re providing valuable training opportunities for your employees, as well as recruiting top talent in the future, is to invest in an internship program now. If you’re on the fence about whether or not an internship program would benefit your company, these reasons will convince you to leap.
Have a long-term strategy
Startups are filled with urgency, but it’s important to take a step back and look at your company’s long-term strategy. Internship programs can help you do that by providing you with a fresh perspective from new staff members. Having interns in your office also makes potential candidates more likely to be interested in working for your startup since they get to see first-hand what working there is like.
For current employees
Internships provide valuable networking opportunities. For young professionals and recent graduates, internships are a great way to connect with experienced leaders who can offer mentorship and guidance in your career path. If you’re one of these employees who will be overseeing internship programs, then it will be a great way for you to network
For new hires
Interns are already familiar with what you do and who you serve; they’ve done some of your work before, so you don’t have to go over everything again. They also come in with fresh eyes and minds, which means they can ask new questions about how things are done, who are served by what you do, and how it could be improved.
Interns have great insights into your customers
It’s a great way to learn more about your customers and what they’re thinking. They can provide unique perspectives because they are not focused on just one part of your business. Their age makes them energetic, creative, and open to new ideas. Because interns usually have time after school or during summer break, you get additional energy for your company without needing to commit someone who will be working full-time. What could be better?
Interns learn from their mistakes
If you’re going to provide interns with real projects and responsibilities, they’re going to make some mistakes—and that’s a good thing. By allowing interns to learn from their mistakes and correct them (instead of doing so in front of your boss), you can set your team up for success. Allowing yourself and your team members to admit when we made a mistake helps us feel more confident in our abilities as well as more comfortable asking questions and admitting when we don’t know something.
Interns are cost-effective
On average, interns are paid around $12 per hour. This may sound like a lot but it’s nowhere near what you’d have to pay a full-time employee. With thousands of dollars in savings, you can use that money on other important expenses like training your staff or investing in new equipment and software. And remember: Interns are often willing to work for free!
