Many entrepreneurs, managers, and CEOs shy away from working with interns because of the criteria set forth by The Department of Labor Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Particularly troubling for many business owners is the standard that “The employer that provides the training derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the intern; and on occasion its operations may actually be impeded”.
Businesses succeed or fail based on people – staff, clients, partners, etc. Bringing interns onto your team is not unlike hiring a new employee. Be sure the new intern is a good match, is trustworthy, and is motivated to learn and contribute based on thorough screening. Every new employee needs to know specifically and in writing what is expected of them. The same is true of interns. Every new employee is faced with a learning curve and needs time to get acclimated to the operations of a company. The same is true of interns. Every new employee needs individual support and close supervision. The same is true of interns.
Three benefits of starting an internship program
- Opportunity to recruit future employees
- Interns free employees to work on more substantial projects and tasks
- Interns increases company visibility on college campuses and in the community
Three characteristics of an internship
- Internships promote academic, career, and professional development
- Internships provide a reasonable balance between learning goals and specific tasks of the business
- During an internship, business success is not dependent solely upon the work of the intern
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Nicki Sanders, The Packaged For Success Coach, is an Adjunct Professor with a passion for business and career development. She has an extensive background in developing and managing interns and successful internship programs. She is a skilled manager, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has packaged her Master of Social Work degree and 20 years of work experience into Packaged For Success, a full service training and professional development company.
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