As an undergraduate student, I was heavily involved on campus. However, I did not graduate with the experience of an internship. Now, as an employer and past recruiter, I realize how I missed out on an experience that is extremely valuable for college students– a valuable internship program.
Employers, if you do not have an internship program or not investing your time and energy into your current internship, you are making a huge mistake.
Here’s what you could be missing out on by not building your internship program:
- Quality Full-Time Candidates
Best case scenario, at the end of an internship, a full-time job offer awaits the recent graduate. Not only will they be more prepared to step into a role in your company, but they’ll have the knowledge and practices that you’re seeking in a new candidate. When employers take the time to build valuable internship programs, they reap the benefits when graduation rolls around. - Ability to Build Your Brand
Employers, building your brand is in your control! Not all your interns will stay on with your company and that’s okay. The company benefits when they develop their interns as professionals and take the time to help them grow personally. The goal is to create a great experience for them, so they become an ambassador for your company. - Train and Develop Future Leaders
Companies consistently seek individuals with leadership qualities and interns are a great source for a leadership pipeline. Not everyone is a leader, however, you may find individuals who have a natural ability to influence. Develop your interns based on their skills and where they see themselves in the future. If their career path is still not determined, take the time to help them define it! Be a leader to your interns; take the time to give feedback to encourage their strengths and work on their opportunities. - Build Culture
Having college students in the office brings a new level of energy, creativity, and fun. Culture is a buzz word that everyone asks about and everyone wants to work somewhere with a “great culture.” Many companies say they value culture and/or say that they have a great one but everyone needs to be on board and understand the culture being built while setting a high standard to create and keep that culture. Employers, make this something to focus on. Take the time to assess your culture to ensure that you are not oblivious to what may be tainting yours!
