Internships have become an increasingly debated topic of conversation in recent years. Industry influencers have begun speaking out about the practice of essentially hiring an individual without paying them. Is this ethical, and should it be allowed to continue? As the debate rages on, we believe it's essential to examine the current status of internships and how they can be improved.

 

On paper, the exchange that an internship provides seems pretty straightforward. A student, eager to learn new skills and become familiar with their chosen industry, performs basic tasks for a company. Their compensation is often not monetary but instead comes in the form of knowledge, advice, and mentorship. An internship is supposed to serve as a way for students to gain real-world experience before they enter the workforce.

 

The problem with this current model is two-fold. First, interns are often viewed as the lowest person on the totem pole. Paid employees make a list of tedious tasks that they don't want to perform and pass it along to the unpaid intern to complete. The result is that your intern, who has signed up to learn something new, spends their whole time doing entry-level tasks that are simple and do not equip them with any new knowledge or expertise.

 

We can agree that, at times, it makes sense for your senior employees to offload specific responsibilities to an intern so they may focus on revenue-driving tasks and projects. However, this must be counterbalanced with learning and growth centered activities. As a manager, you must find ways to ensure that your intern obtains new skills and grows in their position.

 

Set Goals At The Start

Before your intern starts, make a list of goals for them to work towards. This can be a mix of specific milestones and soft skills. For example, the first goal may be to help a co-worker complete a project. The second goal may be to become proficient in a program that they will need to know when they get a full-time job. Present and review these goals on the first day, so they feel motivated to accomplish something significant.

 

You also want to ask the intern what their goals are for their time at your company as well. What programs or skills do they want to learn? Who do they want to meet with? What are they hoping to get out of this internship? If they're going to improve their communication skills, you can assign them a research project and have them present it to the entire team. If they want to learn a specific program, you can make sure they are assigned tasks related to that program at least once a week.

 

Give The Full Tour

When a new team member starts, you usually give them a full tour of the office. You show them where the kitchen, meeting rooms, and bathrooms are located. Then, you walk them to each department so they can meet the people they will be working with. An intern should be treated no differently. This simple act on their first day will make them feel comfortable and welcome.

 

When it comes to the team they will be working on, make sure they know what everyone does. This will make it much easier to ask questions when they are working on specific projects. You also want to supply them with a company directory, so they know how to contact the people they need. Lastly, encourage your team to regularly reach out to the intern and make them feel welcome.

 

Assign Them Real Projects

The old tired joke is that interns are there to get coffee and make copies. First, this is insulting to the hardworking college student who takes this unpaid position in the hopes of learning real-world skills. Second, by assigning them nothing but grunt work, you are wasting a valuable asset and opportunity to make your company better.

 

Your intern may not have a lot of experience, but they are still knowledgeable and useful. Assign them to be a part of important projects. Talk to your team and see who could use an extra set of hands. We guarantee you someone on your team could use an assistant to perform research, proofread content, insert data, or put together a report or presentation. The intern gets experience contributing to real projects, and your team gets some much-needed relief.

 

Invite Them To Meetings

With the exception of high-level conversations, your intern should be invited to every meeting you and your team have. They do not need to contribute, but it is beneficial for them to sit in and see how a proper meeting is run. They can learn how you present ideas, deal with feedback, and resolve conflicts. They will also be introduced to new people who will expand their network.

 

We suggest that your intern take minutes at each meeting they attend. First, it is a great way to ensure nothing is missed. Second, it gives them a reason to stay focused and engaged with everything that is said. After the meeting, you can spend a few minutes talking to them about what happened and what they can learn from it. You can also ask if they have any questions you can answer. A regular meeting for you can be an invaluable learning experience for them.

 

Schedule Weekly Check-Ins

Since your intern is not normally in your office, it is easy to forget about them during the hustle and bustle of your daily grind. If you are not careful, you may go days or even weeks without checking in. This may be okay for your regular employees, but for someone who is there to learn from you, this is less than ideal. On day one, be sure to schedule two separate weekly recurring meetings between the two of you.

 

The first should take place every Monday morning. Here is where you will assign them their tasks and ensure they have everything they need for the week. The second meeting should take place on Friday afternoons. This meeting allows them to ask questions about anything that happened during the week. It can also be a time where you share the knowledge you wish you had when you started your first job. 

 

Conclusion

You may not have control over whether or not you can pay your interns. What you do have control over is the alternative ways you can provide compensation. The internship you provide should include the education and mentorship these students are looking for. You have the power to provide your interns with a valuable experience that will set them up for success for years to come.

 

#Productivity #Small business #Leadership #Internship