What was your initial internship experience? For many of us, now distanced from that kind of educational opportunity, this inquiry often surfaces as a conversation starter instead of a significant interview question. In fact, you may have progressed in your career to the point where you currently find yourself overseeing interns.
Although internships present a host of advantages for college students and early-career professionals, what about the advantages for organizations and the staff who interact with interns directly? Here’s a look at how businesses can ensure that their investment in interns yields benefits for both individual employees and the organization as a whole.
The reciprocal advantages of internships: from a prior intern to the current marketing director
Jenny Sundberg, based in Lincoln, Nebraska, holds the position of director of marketing and strategic planning at Bryan Health. Sundberg and I first crossed paths when she was a college student, and our connection deepened when she interned in my marketing department in Chicago 13 years ago. Now at Bryan Health, she collaborates with interns herself and is convinced that internships provide balanced opportunities and benefits for both groups.
“At Bryan Health, we are lucky to have team members who stay with us for many years, even decades,” Sundberg shares. “Interns bring a fresh viewpoint to our sector, as many are consumers themselves and contribute new talent.”
Sundberg elaborates that interns provide important feedback on improving processes and efficiencies while also introducing a variety of ideas.
“We cultivate an atmosphere where interns can challenge existing norms, ask questions, and test out concepts,” Sundberg explains. “Our management not only fosters strong engagement by considering the suggestions of new employees and interns, but also creates avenues for implementing those ideas.”
CPS HR Consulting highlights similar benefits as mentioned by Sundberg, such as the chance for organizations to gain brand champions and establish a talent pipeline. The National Association of Colleges and Employers’ 2022 Internship & Co-Op Survey Report indicates that slightly more than 68% of interns from the 2020-2021 period received full-time offers following their internship.
“If you’ve established an internship program that nurtures the student, provides them with significant tasks, and recognizes their contributions to the organization, they’re likely to share their rewarding experiences with peers, friends, and family,” CPS HR Consulting noted.
Advantages for individual employees working with interns
Perhaps your organization has previously sought your assistance with interns, and you may have hesitated to volunteer. You might believe that your workload is too heavy, or that someone younger with less experience could hinder your productivity. However, collaborating with interns can yield numerous benefits.
“Employees who interact with our interns frequently gain new perspectives, empathy, and insights into a younger generation—along with an additional set of hands,” Sundberg highlights.
The Brad D. Smith Schools of Business at Marshall University identify several benefits for both organizations and individual employees who work with interns, including the development of supervisory skills. Additionally, while it may not be as formal as overseeing interns, acting as their mentor can enhance your leadership skills and even rejuvenate your understanding or appreciation for your profession or industry.
Ensuring a smooth experience for both parties
According to Sundberg, the success of an internship hinges on developing a mutual understanding between the intern and the employer.
“For employers, institutional knowledge can be both advantageous and problematic,” she asserts. “It’s essential to empathize with your intern’s situation and foster a welcoming atmosphere. This might involve simple actions such as showing them the restroom on their initial day, thoroughly explaining essential processes, and introducing them to key individuals they’ll interact with throughout their internship. Facilitating meet-and-greets, providing lunches, and inviting them to team meetings can enhance engagement right from the start.”
What about how interns can guarantee their own success during the experience?
“For interns, it’s vital to ask questions, avoid making assumptions, and respect your employer’s other responsibilities,” Sundberg advises. “It can feel daunting to speak up when you’re uncertain or require additional information for success. Your employer will value your initiative in doing so.”
She further emphasizes that, in the end, “Effective communication between both parties is crucial for ensuring a successful and seamless experience.”
