Hiring Interns: A Worthwhile Commitment Year After Year – a blog from Susan Malik, President
For the past four years, I have made the decision to hire interns for my organization. Despite the time commitment, need for supervision, and limited time frame, I firmly believe that internships bring immense value to both the interns and the organization. In this blog, I will share my experiences and explain why I continue to hire interns year after year.
1. Time Commitment: A Wise Investment
While hiring interns does require a significant time commitment, I view it as a wise investment in the future. By dedicating time to onboard, train, and supervise interns, I am not only helping them gain practical experience but also molding potential future employees. The time spent mentoring interns pays off in the form of skilled and motivated professionals who can contribute to my or another’s organization’s growth in the long run.
2. Supervision: Nurturing Talent and Ensuring Success
Supervision is a crucial aspect of managing interns effectively. It allows me to guide them, set expectations, provide constructive feedback, and ensure their work aligns with the organization’s goals. Although supervision demands effort, it is an opportunity to nurture talent and shape interns’ professional development. Witnessing their growth and witnessing the impact they make within the organization is immensely rewarding.
3. Limited Time Frame: Maximizing Impact within Constraints
The limited time frame of internships can initially seem like a challenge. However, I have come to appreciate the value of setting clear expectations and achievable goals within this timeframe. By assigning meaningful projects and tasks that interns can complete during their internship, we maximize their impact and provide them with a sense of accomplishment. The limited time frame also motivates interns to make the most of their experience, fueling their drive to learn and contribute.
4. Long-Term Benefits: Fresh Perspectives and Relationships
Each new batch of interns brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and the latest academic knowledge, infusing the organization with renewed energy and creativity. By hiring interns, we develop relationships with the various educational institutions that benefit both our company and our clients as we are able to assist them in their searches as well.
5. Cultivating a Positive Organizational Culture
Internship programs can help shape and reinforce a positive organizational culture. By offering internships, we demonstrate our commitment to nurturing talent and investing in the development of young professionals. This fosters a sense of belonging, encourages teamwork, and creates an environment where employees feel valued. Additionally, interns can act as ambassadors, spreading positive word-of-mouth about the organization’s work culture and values.
Conclusion
It is important that the internship is mutually beneficial – asking the interns up front what they hope to achieve and learn is important. Every group is different and has different expectations, so it is good to check in with them and provide feedback. Learning practical real-world skills is something that we emphasize and something that the interns have indicated they appreciate.
Despite the time commitment, need for supervision, and limited time frame, I have found that hiring interns year after year is a decision that brings immense value to my organization. As I reflect on my experiences, I can confidently say that I would continue to hire interns in the future, knowing the value they bring and the positive impact they have on both the organization and the interns themselves.