Getting The Right Type of Small Business Help Through Interns

The recent Wall Street Journal article, "When Interns Make Sense", provides insight on how small businesses can get the most out of implementing an internship program within their company. The article suggests in order for the internship experience to be productive, that small businesses should do the following:

• Set expectations up at the beginning (dress code, performance evaluations.)
• Place interns in areas of the business where they will have the greatest impact.
• Limit the amount of time that the intern is involved in clerical work.

With the downturn in the economy there is an overabundance of qualified candidates who are looking to gain practical experience in their field of study. You may even be able to get qualified college graduates who are looking to get a jumpstart in their career through the internship models described above. Small business owners should definitely evaluate the different internship options to see what best meets the need of their company.

The cost of the internship can vary depending on the type of program that is implemented and provides some flexibility to the business owner. Internships that are paid require the company pay a modest stipend to the student over the term of the assignment. The paid internship can be used to attract highly qualified candidates to the company. While other internships may not pay a stipend but can cover the cost of transportation and lunch on the days the intern works in the office. This type of design is useful for assignments that give a great working experience in a field that is in high demand by other employers.

The internship model is a win-win proposition for all parties involved. It requires a short-term commitment that usually lasts for a couple of months to half a year. For the small business owner, she is able to acquire talent for a fixed period of time at a relative low cost. In addition, business owners are able to evaluate potential candidates with very little downside risk.