Let’s face it. Interns require a lot of time and attention. Many companies have reservations about bringing on interns. They may be concerned with how an intern may slow down or negatively impact their productivity and bottom line. What if the intern is lazy, or unprofessional, or offends a client? Although many managers and entrepreneurs are worried that an intern will lack the necessary skills to do a good job, others are afraid that their intern will become their competition.
This is a real concern. No one wants to train their competition. The reality is that the role of an intern manager is to prepare the intern for their next level – their next level may be with you as an employee but can also be without you in another organization.
Interns can be a valuable asset to a business. In order for an intern relationship to be mutually beneficial, the company has to be willing to be vulnerable and take a risk. Fear of negative things that may never happen can prevent good things from actually occurring.
I have a few tips for mangers and entrepreneurs who are fearful that an intern may one day become their competition. Take these precautions to hopefully decrease your level of uncertainty.
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Nicki Sanders, The Packaged For Success Coach, is an Adjunct Professor with an extensive background in developing and managing internship programs. She is a skilled program manager, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has packaged her Masters 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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