Need some help around the office but don’t have room in the budget for a full time employee? Hiring an intern can be a cost effective way to get the extra help you need while saving money and it’s a great way for college students or recent college grads to gain some experience. Most might think interns won’t be as productive or won’t be as helpful but interns can actually turn out to be some of the best employees you can have.
A fresh mind
When you bring an intern onto your team you are bringing a whole new perspective to the group. They are able to see things with fresh eyes and can help in determining if processes need to be changed or improved. They will also be doing these tasks for the first time and might be able to figure out a more effective and faster way to get those tasks done. Hiring interns can be a great checks and balance for your company’s process and procedures.
Eager to impress
Since most interns are current college students or recent grads they are eager to get their foot in the door and learn which means they can be some of your most productive and excited employees. They are willing to take on any project they can if it means learning new skills and getting real life experience. Interns want to impress their manager in hopes of becoming a full time employee so they will be on time, get projects done in a timely manner and be courteous.
Try Before You Buy
Internships, similar to any temporary job, can give the candidate a chance to “test” out the waters in that industry. It also gives the employer a chance to see how they perform. Hiring on interns to full time employees can actually save the company money as you won’t have to put that new employee through a formal training process. Since they have already been working at the company they know the processes and procedures. There is no learning curve involved when hiring on interns full time.
Extra benefits for you
Interns are a great source of “free” advertising. While you may be paying them an hourly wage, this will most likely be their first job in or after college and they will want to tell everyone. Word of mouth can be a great way to get your company’s name out there and what better way than from an internal employee. Interns can also be tech and social media savvy, which can be a benefit for your company. They can provide training to your other employees which can save you money since you won’t have to send your employees to those day long seminars that can cost upwards of a couple hundred dollars.
Next time you’re wondering if you should hire an intern, remember all the benefits that comes along with it. They can be a great resource for not only you but your company as well. What are some reasons you have hired an intern?