Learn how to develop an impactful internship that benefits both your business and the intern

Internships are a pivotal launchpad for young professionals, offering them invaluable real-world experience and a foothold in their chosen industries. In this guide, HR experts will share insights and strategies to help you design an internship program that nurtures the next generation of professionals and strengthens your organization’s long-term workforce.

Continue reading to discover the benefits of an effective internship program for your business, how to create one, and a testimonial from our own internship program at PER.

What are the benefits of an internship program for businesses?

The benefits of an effective internship extend far beyond just the interns. For businesses, crafting a well-structured program is not only an investment in fresh talent but also a strategic hiring approach that cultivates a pool of potential future employees. Internships can help your business:

• Lower labor cost: One of the primary benefits of internships is the potential reduction in labor costs. Interns typically do not require the extensive benefits packages that full-time employees do, such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off. The reduction of these benefits helps lower overall compensation expenses, allowing businesses to allocate resources more efficiently while gaining entry-level assistance.

• Create a hiring pipeline: By investing in an internship program, companies have the opportunity to train and evaluate aspiring employees in real-world settings, providing them with an introduction to the organization’s culture and operations. As a result, businesses can reduce hiring timelines and enhance their recruitment efficiency, converting high-performing interns into full-time employees who are already familiar with the company’s values and expectations.

• Bring in fresh perspectives: Interns often carry fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, which can be a valuable asset to any business. With their recent academic experiences and a grasp of the latest trends and technologies, interns can introduce new viewpoints that challenge conventional practices and spark creative solutions. 

The critical elements of an effective internship

A well-planned internship should maintain a balance between providing a meaningful learning experience for the intern and enhancing productivity for the company. For interns, this means gaining practical skills, industry knowledge, and valuable networking opportunities. For employers, it translates into increased productivity, fresh perspectives, and a potential pipeline of future talent. 

A well-structured program reflects positively on the business, enhancing its reputation as an employer of choice and ensuring that both the intern’s and the company’s objectives are effectively met.

Here are the HR-friendly vital elements to remember when developing an effective internship:

#1: Integration into company culture

Interns often enter a close-knit environment where they may initially feel like outsiders—setting a positive tone from the start with a thorough introduction of the intern and the team is essential. As their coordinator, being an ally within the company culture involves actively including the intern in team activities, meetings, and informal gatherings to help them build relationships and feel a sense of belonging. Regular check-ins and open communication are essential to address any questions or concerns, fostering a welcoming atmosphere that enhances their overall experience and productivity.

#2: Introduce the company

Properly introducing the company to the intern is crucial for a solid foundation, and this begins with a comprehensive orientation and onboarding process. An effective orientation should give the intern a clear understanding of the company’s mission, values, and organizational structure. The orientation involves sharing information about the business’s history and core activities and explaining how their role fits the company’s goals. By teaching the intern relevant aspects of the business, you help them grasp the context of their tasks and responsibilities, which enhances their ability to contribute meaningfully.

#3: Mentorship

Incorporating a mentorship component into an internship is crucial for fostering a productive and enriching experience. As a business leader, you play a pivotal role in guiding and supporting the intern, acting as a valuable resource throughout their experience. A dedicated mentor can provide personalized guidance, offer insights into industry practices, and help the intern navigate their new role more confidently.

#4: Meaningful assignments

Interns are eager to contribute to the business and acquire new skills, and while they may not handle critical tasks, assigning them clearly defined and meaningful projects is crucial. These assignments allow interns to apply their knowledge, develop practical skills, and make tangible contributions to the team. You can keep them engaged and motivated by setting clear goals and providing tasks that align with their interests and career aspirations.

#5: Career exploration & education

As an intern coordinator, understanding and supporting the intern’s career aspirations is a key aspect of a successful internship experience. It’s important to engage with the intern to learn about their career interests and goals early on so you can tailor their experience to align with their aspirations. Clearly defining their goals and how the internship can support these ambitions ensures that the experience is both productive and fulfilling.

The costs to keep in mind when developing an internship

Before developing an internship program, it’s important to be mindful of the resources and time your business will invest and the potential impact on existing staff and operations. Evaluating these factors ensures the program is feasible and aligned with your organizational goals.

• Time and resources: An effective internship program requires significant time and resources, including a dedicated effort in mentoring interns, providing valuable feedback, and managing their projects to ensure a meaningful experience.

• Time-off requests: Interns are often college students who must balance their academic schedules with their internship responsibilities, leading to a higher number of time-off requests that need to be accommodated.

• Wages: Paying interns can enhance the competitiveness and appeal of your internship program, attracting top talent, but it also represents a significant financial commitment for the business.

• Slowed productivity: Working with interns requires patience, as they are still learning and may take longer to complete tasks, potentially slowing overall productivity as they gain experience and refine their skills.

Step-by-step guide for creating an internship

When your business is ready to create an internship program, designing it to suit your needs while also providing a learning experience for the intern is essential. Here is a simplified guide to creating an effective internship.

Step 1: Create the program

In this initial step, it is crucial to define how the internship will benefit the business and tailor the program accordingly. This step involves developing a rough plan outlining the intern’s experience, including milestones and specific skills they will acquire. 

Key questions to consider include: 

• What are the main objectives of the internship? 
• What skills and experiences should the intern gain? 
• How will these contribute to the company’s goals? 
• What tasks and projects will be assigned? 

By addressing these questions, you can create a structured program that aligns with both the intern’s learning objectives and the business’s needs.

Step 2: Allocate resources

Once the program framework is in place, the next step is to allocate the necessary resources. This step involves budgeting for financial expenses, such as stipends or wages, and dedicating time for staff involvement, including planning and mentoring. Additionally, ensure that material resources such as equipment, workspace, and access to tools or systems are provided. 

Step 3: Assign a mentor

A key element of a successful internship is mentorship. In this step, designate a mentor or coordinator who will guide the intern throughout their experience. The mentor should be someone who can provide valuable insights, offer constructive feedback, and support the intern’s professional development. By assigning a mentor, you ensure the intern receives personalized guidance and can effectively integrate into the company culture, enhancing their learning experience.

Step 4: Select a department or team for the internship

For larger organizations, it is important to select the appropriate department or team where the intern will be placed. This step involves identifying the team or department that best aligns with the intern’s career interests and the company’s needs. Consider which areas would benefit most from the intern’s assistance and where the intern can gain the most relevant experience. By strategically placing the intern, you maximize the value of their contributions and ensure a more focused and effective learning experience.

Step 5: Create a compelling description for the internship

Once the internship program is developed and ready to be shared, craft a compelling job description to attract potential candidates. The description should include essential information such as:

• The role’s objectives
• Key responsibilities
• Required qualifications
• Skills to be gained

Additionally, highlight any specific projects or tasks the intern will be involved in, and provide details about the company culture and benefits. A well-crafted description not only clarifies what the internship entails but also makes the position more appealing to top talent.

HR internship at PER

Throughout his experience, Cody, PER’s summer intern, gained invaluable insights into the world of human resources. He had the opportunity to explore various HR functions, from recruitment and employee relations to benefits administration and compliance. He also participated in various meetings and our summer employee outing, as seen below.

Through hands-on experience and mentorship from seasoned HR professionals, Cody expanded his knowledge of HR practices and developed essential skills that will serve him well in his future career.

Cheers to a successful internship, and congratulations to Cody!

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