How to Hire an Intern

Get a first look at up-and-coming talent by hiring the right intern.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet Access
• Notebooks
• Pens
• Computers

1. Establish a close working relationship with colleges and universities that have programs that meet your employment needs, such as one with a strong computer science or engineering program.
2. Go through your usual hiring process when selecting an intern. Remember, a good intern has the potential to be a future employee.
3. Consider carefully which candidate will benefit the most from the experience and who will be the most beneficial for your company.
4. Arrange to get feedback from the intern. Interns represent the upcoming generation of employees and can give you valuable insight on how young people see your company and its systems.
5. Give thoughtful feedback that will help the intern become a good employee.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider advertising your internship at industry-specific Web sites as well as Web sites geared toward internships.
• Although you want to cultivate good furture employees, don't overload the intern with too much responsibility. Conversely, don't assign the intern just mundane tasks.