How to Establish an Internship

Interns can be an asset to your business.

An internship program is not just for large companies; small businesses can benefit from the enthusiasm and current knowledge these students bring. Interns are happy to receive hands-on experience in their field, regardless of the company size; the internship gives them résumé fodder and the chance to put theory into practice. Before you bring interns on board, take steps to plan the program. Establishing an internship requires specific preparation in order for it to be successful.

Instructions

1. Decide what you want to achieve with the internship. Whether you want to recruit future employees, benefit from fresh ideas or bring new energy to the organization, having a clear purpose for the internship is necessary to plan it effectively.

2. Outline the logistics. Establish a budget for the program, including salary, equipment and supplies for the interns. Evaluate your office space and available desks to house the interns, as well as staff available and willing to supervise them.

3. Determine the tasks the interns will perform. A quality internship will involve a variety of tasks that include hands-on work in the intern's chosen field. She should receive feedback and advice on her work as part of the program.

4. Choose an appropriate supervisor. The staffer assigned to the interns should be enthusiastic; he should also have enough available time to devote to the program. The supervisor will monitor workloads, evaluate the interns and communicate with the intern's educational institutions as need be.

5. Prepare a detailed plan for the program. This should itemize the program's purpose and length, in addition to the tasks assigned to interns and how they will be evaluated. Include points about recruitment and what the company is looking for in a prospective intern.

6. Discuss with employees their role in the internship program before interns come on board. In addition to the intern's supervisor, other staff members will interact with the interns and will be tasked with giving them work and assistance. Clearly outlining expectations of employees will make the internship program run more smoothly.

7. Contact educational institutions. Send a job posting or internship details to the internship center at relevant colleges and universities; if no such center exists, discuss the internship with the Careers office at the school. Websites such as Internship Programs.com are other possible venues of recruitment.

References

• Inc.: Encyclopedia -- Internships
• Forbes: Five Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Should Hire Interns

Resources

• Internship Programs