Interns offer a number of advantages for businesses, including access to free or discounted labor. However, if you want the experience to be a positive one for both interns and staff, there are a few steps you need to take. Here are some of BGSF’s suggestions for making internships worthwhile for both parties:
Assign responsibilities.
Think your interns’ main role is to run to Starbucks? On the contrary, the most successful internship programs require workers to take on real responsibilities at the company. Instead of hiding your interns away in mailrooms or sending them out to get lunch, give them a chance to experience the business’ day-to-day operations. Not only does this expose them to daily life in their chosen field, but it can also give your full-time staff time to relax.
Create office mentorships.
Want to get the most out of your interns? Start out the by assigning each new worker a mentor. Along with helping interns get up to speed, mentors can ensure new employees feel comfortable and at home in their new environments. In the long run, mentors can even help you identify those employees who are most deserving of long-term positions at the company.
Keep in mind future opportunities.
Internships aren’t just an opportunity for a company to access free labor. In fact, smart businesses use internship season to find those workers who would make good long-term additions to the business. Because you already know how an intern operates, you aren’t hiring blindly. Additionally, you can save time and money on training costs, as the intern is already up to speed to a large degree. As an added bonus, offering full-time roles to past interns can ensure great people continue to sign up for the program in the future.