Should You Hire an Intern for your Small Business?

As a small or medium sized business owner, you cannot achieve all your business goals single handedly. Employing good-fit staffers to help sail the ship is of paramount importance. But, be it from budgetary concerns or issues of scale, startups can’t always employ experienced professionals from the get-go. No fear: you can always consider hiring interns for your business.

So, why should you hire interns? Are they worth the time and resources? Read on for the rundown.

Reason 1: Help Them Reach Their Potential

Most interns probably have far less or even zero experience in your niche. But remember, these individuals are willing to work for you pro bono, or for a meagre stipend, to gain the experience they need for their future careers. Interns apply for internship programmes to practice what they have studied. They have essential skills that can help manage various tasks in your business. 

Reason 2: They Can Provide the Support Your Business Needs

Most fresh graduates or students don’t have prior experience. But this lack of meat on CVs should not be a problem if you focus on trust-building. As a business owner, whether small or medium-sized, you have the option to cater to their eagerness to learn.

Hiring interns can ease your business workload. Give them the opportunity to show what they can do and delegate tasks based on their skills. It’s a win-win when interns gain experience from your business while you lessen your workload. 

Reason 3: Get Fresh Marketing Insights

In small to medium businesses, an effective marketing strategy is essential for future growth. Your business can learn from fresh social and digital strategies performed by your interns. But make sure to give them credit for any ideas that they contribute to your brand. They can help alleviate your brand awareness with the skills they can bring to the table. 

So, why shouldn’t you hire interns?

In 2018, over 57% of interns received full-time job offers after graduation. This survey by NACE reveals that interns benefit themselves and the businesses. If you are thinking about the salary costs, this is not a problem. Many established businesses hire interns in exchange for resume inclusion.

Interns need real-world experience to help them develop. And the businesses they work for play a big part in honing their skills and teaching best practices.

Working with interns is also a good strategy to hone your workforce management skills. You are opening doors for them to experience a real job. In a nutshell, these interns can alleviate productivity and bring takeaways to improve your business operations.