Should You Hire an Intern?

Many small businesses are finding a great deal of value in hiring interns. In fact, according to a 2015 survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 92 percent of businesses have internship programs. Why? Interns provide additional team members for a fraction of the cost of hiring someone full time. Plus, they can give companies a valuable fresh perspective, help the student gain professional experience and companies even choose to give interns a full-time position after the internship is over. If you're considering hiring an intern, take a look at these ways you can make the most of the process while growing business:

Decide Exactly Where an Intern Could Be Useful
The last thing you want to do is hire an intern just to send him or her out for coffee or to stand outside and pass out business flyers. The best way for both businesses and interns to benefit from starting an internship program is to find the best place in your company for them. So, for example, if your marketing team members could use a little extra help with their workload, hire a digital marketing intern. Or, if you're hoping to start writing a company blog, bring an editorial intern on board.

Hire the Right One(s)
Of course, part of making an internship successful is hiring the right person for the job. Remember that interns are not going to be as skilled or experienced as candidates for full-time positions – that's why they're looking for internships. So, ask about the kind of courses they're taking and see if they can send you some of their recent assignments that align with the job they'd be doing at your company. 

Have Projects Lined Up
It's important that when interns show up on the first day, you have something more for them to do than just sit around waiting for someone to give them directions. Before they begin, sit down with the person they'll be most closely working with and put together a short training program and a list of projects they can assist with or work independently on. That way, you'll be able to get them started as soon as they walk in the door.

Treat Them Like Team Members
Interns may not be a permanent part of your team, but they should be welcomed and made to feel like an important employee while they're in the office. Invite them to team meetings, encourage them to get involved, listen to their ideas and let them hang out with the team. 

Give Good Feedback
Set up regular meetings – say weekly or bi-weekly – when you can sit down with the interns and talk to them about the projects they're working on. Give them constructive criticism that they can use to better themselves. After all, they're working all summer to gain experience they can use in the future.

Stay in Touch
Remember that even if your interns have more school ahead of them, they'll be looking for jobs soon. Make sure you and the team members they work with give them your business cards and connect on LinkedIn. Encourage them to stay in touch, and reach out in the future – you'll both benefit from hiring someone who needs little training and is already familiar with the business.