Interns, companies benefit from experience

By: Mario Cacciottolo

The benefits of internships are plentiful
Apprenticeships are offered
Professional development seminars

An increasing number of employers are using interns as a valuable resource by which they can inject fresh input into their business both temporarily and for the longer term.

In fact, when it comes to employing new staff the use of an organisation's Co-op and internship programs are second only to on-campus recruiting. Over 87 percent of manufacturers offer internships, and amongst government/non-profit organisations the figure is more than 60 percent.

The benefits of internships are plentiful

Those who participate in such schemes soon realise that the benefits of internships are plentiful for both employer and student. So long as the recruitment process is thorough and well planned, employers will get candidates who are keen on their company, who have researched the organisation extensively, and who will be willing to go above and beyond to impress. They will bring some of the latest industry knowledge, fresh from the minds of their lecturers and campus resources, and provide short-term extra assistance with the potential for excellent individuals to become a more permanent asset.

There are many different internship experiences, and it is vital for both employers and interns that they enrol on or create the one that will be the most beneficial. One of the most popular is Co-operative Education, also known as Co-op, a three way partnership between a student, an employer and a college or university. This allows students to integrate work experience into their academic studies for credit, so that they work in jobs which relate to their majors.

A student studying architecture, for example, might be able to find work as an intern within a local planning department. Service Learning allows work in organised services within a community. Students might work at an elementary or secondary school, or in a community service program such as designing a neighbourhood playground.

Apprenticeships are offered

Apprenticeships are offered by such trades as the culinary arts, graphic art, and clothing design. This is an excellent way for interns to learn a highly skilled trade and get paid whilst doing so. Apprenticeships vary from one to five years.

However, whatever the particulars of a program might be, a successful internship requires effort from both parties. Employers need to plan ahead, making sure that the necessary training will be delivered. They need to see that, as is so often the case, the intern does not become a simple 'gofer' and that their work is meaningful.

A decent internship program ensures the assignment of challenging projects coupled with adequate supervision, so as to provide an information resource and support. Just as would be the case for a new full-time employee, it is also crucial that interns are greeted with a warm welcome into the organisation. They should be provided with all the necessary information prior to their internship - such as housing, transportation and dress code. An evaluation process is also vital if the program is to be a true learning experience for the student, and a beneficial process for the employer. Constructive feedback can be used to praise good work and improve weaknesses, and is an essential part of the relationship between intern and employer.

As for the students, the best way for them to add glitter to their résumé is to do an internship, but that's not the only reason why they should. Interning will not only teach professional skills, but also give an insight into a particular industry or organisational culture, and establish those vital connections which might eventually lead to employment. Interns should remember that firms are developing these programs because it provides an efficient method for cultivating future employees and weeding out undesirables.

Work experience is always high on the employee preferred characteristics list, often second only to communication skills. It is especially impressive when, through employment history, a candidate demonstrates that they can handle responsibility, thus reassuring the employer about the student's transition from campus to corporation. Internships offer a supportive, interesting and recognised system for gaining expertise, and excellent opportunities for securing employment after graduation.

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans has an impressive system for internship. It is an organisation which deals with ensuring the smooth orientation of the benefits that employees may receive during the course of their working lives, and beyond into their retirement. Their internship program places students into a number of areas such as government, corporate and non-profit organisations, where they deal with the issue of staff benefits. Uniquely, the I.F. provides free education regarding employee benefits covering such areas as health insurance or retirement plans. These courses are accredited by the University of Pennsylvania's prestigious Wharton School of Business.

Professional development seminars

Counselling is also available, in the form of professional development seminars, run by the I.F., keeping in touch with internees by email, and offering them career and personal guidance counselling. Dianne L. Fabii, one of the I.F.'s four Regional Directors, says that the main benefits for a sponsor is that they get "low risk and low cost recruitment, as well as students who are enthusiastic to learn, often with good computer ability." Ms Fabii is keen to stress the value of internships for both parties.

"For the work site supervisors, having an intern is a great way to solve staffing difficulties, by giving them routine as well as long term responsibilities. And it's really important for graduates to have academically related work experience. Prospective employers will know that the training curve will not be as high with ex-interns as they've already been exposed to the office environment."

See more articles on careers, education and business at The Galt Global Review. 

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