Interns are not your personal baristas!

Today I viewed a video blog on Facebook from a well-respected entrepreneur and businessman about why interns are a great way to get free help. No offense, but getting you coffee all day is not something an intern needs to or should be doing to earn college credit.

Relevant Learning  - Student interns expect a valuable learning experience. Based on years of college teaching, I can tell you students want, expect and need to have an internship experience where they can learn about your business. While filing is a necessary evil in all businesses and getting you coffee is a nice gesture, it should not be the reason you hire (for free) a student.

Time & Attention - An intern requires a certain amount of your time and attention. Business owners must think about what they can provide the student, not just what the student will provide the business. Students are eager to apply the skills they have learned in the classroom to help you grow your business. Let them!

Planning - If you are interested in hiring an intern, you must plan! Many college students are required to complete an internship for graduation. This means the student must register and pay for credits so he or she can work for you. Typically, students are required to write a paper about their work experience. The more you plan for them, the more they can help you.

 

Flexibility - Most interns will provide you with new ideas (especially when it comes to social media) and a willingness to go above and beyond many salaried employees. Allow them a certain amount of flexibility. Student interns will surprise and delight you, if you let them.

When properly planned, the internship experience can be one of your best investments.