Hiring an intern is in the best interest of any successful business. They will not only help you bear the burden of the daily grind and all the craziness that can encroach upon your life, but I also believe that having the opportunity to teach someone else about your industry will have a significant impact in your own professional enhancement as well as a renewed appreciation for the “newbies” out there. We all had to start somewhere. Here’s your chance to pay it forward. Interns will appreciate your time and effort and you will appreciate theirs. It’s a win win for everybody!
Here are a few tips from Entrepreneur Magazine’s April 2010 issue – how to successfully hire an intern:
- Get Clear Start and End Dates: Many interns are working for school credit, whether it be a school semester or during the summer. It is important to prepare when they plan to start and end in order for both the employee and intern to get the most out of the experience.
- Schedule Work Days: It is helpful for the practitioner and intern to have set days so you both can schedule projects.
- Make Expectations Clear: Be specific about what you expect from them so they are prepared. It is also a good idea to ask them what they expect to gain from the experience.
- Appoint a Supervisor: Although the intern will work for many people, it is nice for them to have one person to manage them and offer feedback as the internship progresses.
- Challenge Them: Interns definitely can stand to do the coffee run once in a while, but make sure they also work on projects that give them great experience for the future.
- Encourage Networking: Take the intern to events where they can meet people. Ex. Office Party
- Write a Recommendation: Send them off with a letter on a company logo and encourage them to keep in contact.
From experience, I know that providing internships are an invaluable part of what we do. I absolutely enjoy having the extra help with various projects, but most of all, I enjoy watching them become more knowledgeable and confident with PR. I think it is important to leave them with a positive experience that helps them down the road.
Word to the wise: meet with your intern for an interview prior to signing on the dotted line. As with any new hire, there is a protocol for a reason. Happy hunting!
