03/ 28/ 2002
Schools are now in session. After a few weeks of orientation and introductory background review, some of the most industrious and brightest students in the local high schools will be seeking internships. Teachers are acutely aware that the ultimate teaching atmosphere is on-the-job. When students are able to apply the concepts they learn in class and from textbooks to real-life situations, the maximum educational goal is achieved. Today's Workshop, by Edith Hemlmich, discusses the benefits of student internships, for students as well as businesses.
Local schools appreciate the cooperation and assistance of businesses that provide students with internships that allow hands-on experiences. Students enjoy the opportunity to work in an off-school situation and to make new acquaintances. A successful internship also expands the availability of community and business recommendations for college applications or jobs after graduation.
And, what's in it for the businesses that sponsor a student intern(s)? In fact, businesses benefit more than any other component of this venture:
- Good Public Relations. Internship programs are invariably highlighted in local newspaper articles, at awards dinners at the end of the semester or year, and through word-of-mouth from school officials, parents and student participants. A positive image that suggests stability, respectability and reliability is created without any advertising expense at all.
- Management Training. Supervising a student intern will require a current management person, or potential management appointee, to plan, oversee and guide the intern through a series of productive activities. Cooperative evaluation between the school and work site is an important component of the intern experience. Evaluations are coupled with constructive criticism and learning experiences to bring the intern into a high level of performance. This process is as much a learning experience for your company's appointed supervisor as it is for the intern.
- Increased Personnel. Interns are expected to perform useful tasks during their internship. The internship sites are selected because they offer an opportunity to let the student apply what they have learned in a real-life situation. Interns have regularly scheduled hours, job descriptions, and performance evaluations.
For these reasons, interns are usually very good "employees'" during their internship.
- Future Employees. When a good match is made between the business and the intern, many of these young people return as full-time, permanent employees. In today's tight job market, that is a definite plus for the business. The internship offers a trial run for both the student and the business and by-passes the awkward probationary period for new employees.
- Monetary Reimbursement. Some categories of students bring a stipend with them to businesses. For low-income or hard-to-place students, the federal/state/local governments or community organizations may absorb expenses associated with the internships -- some even pay businesses to participate. These stipends vary across the country, so it is prudent to ask if there are any monetary support systems to encourage participation.
Most businesses that participate in internship programs become advocates. Seeing a young person eager and willing to take on new responsibilities and excel in an adult atmosphere is a satisfying experience that will make you feel good . . . even before you start counting the benefits to your business!
Don't fall behind on this opportunity. Call your local high school, community college, or university today and find out about intern programs that may fit your business.
workshops.microbusiness.fri
11.24.00
