As a business owner, you are always looking for ways to get more done with fewer resources. One way you might be able to achieve this is by hiring an intern- or several interns. Interns can provide much-needed help with research, social media, and administrative work. And, in many cases, interns are willing to work for little or no pay in exchange for the opportunity to gain experience and build their resumes.

If you’re considering starting an internship program, these potential benefits might convince you to take the plunge and help you build your brand and reputation as an employer of choice.

There are many reasons why you may choose to hire an intern, but here are a few key reasons:

1. New and fresh perspective on organizational issues

Interns provide a unique perspective to the “the way we’ve always done it” mentality. By bringing new, fresh ideas to the company, they can help improve processes that a manager might not even be aware of. Additionally, because interns are good at questioning methods, this makes for great conversations between staff members who might otherwise never meet each other face-to-face. Their inquisitiveness could also bring fresh perspective to the managers and can help become more efficient and effective in their roles.

2. Ease of use with technology

Social media,  iPads, and tech programs – come second nature to young professionals. Even though you might have young minds, it doesn’t hurt to get some help from fellow fresh tech-savvy professionals. Interns are often eager to learn new things—and it’s important for them not only because they want their career development but because what we do here at IMO is exciting! 

3. It’s a trial period that could lead to something more

Internships are excellent for companies because it allows them to scope out the quality of work a student or recent graduate is capable of. While an intern, you’ll be able to monitor their skills and how well they work with others. Additionally, internships are low-commitment so if an employer isn’t impressed with an intern, there’s no pressure to hire them as a full-time employee. 

4. Help with projects or tasks that you’re finding difficult to complete

A candidate interested in your organization should be allowed to take on an internship. This will help them build their resume, and prepare them for future interviews. However, don’t just give them busy work. Make sure the internship is meaningful and will help your organization in some way, whether it’s making it run more smoothly, helping it to accomplish more, or making it more successful. 

Also, it is important to keep in mind when training employees, “The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as it stipulates that the employer shouldn’t be receiving any sort of immediate advantage from the trainee’s work. In some cases, training employees can impede an employer’s operations.

5. Gain brand advocates

Hiring an intern can help get the word out about your company, even if you don’t mean to. If you’re a great internship supervisor and mentor, your interns will probably talk about their experiences with peers, friends, and family members. This effectively means free advertising for your organization!

Internships are a win-win for the employer and the intern. This is a great time of year to take on an intern to help with all the small things that you don’t have time for. If you have any questions about hiring interns, we would be happy to help. Please contact us at: support@imointerns.app.