Need More Hands? Consider Bringing on an Intern.
Starting and maintaining a business is hard, especially if you're doing it yourself. So how can you cost-effectively find support, especially during those dog days of summer?
Bringing on a college intern or recent graduate might be a solution and give a promising young person their first break.
Did you know that Lori Greiner, an entrepreneur, and investor on Shark Tank, interned for the Chicago Tribune while studying at Loyola University Chicago? Similarly, Class Pass founder Payal Kadakia interned at J.P. Morgan when she was an undergrad at MIT.
Everyone needs to start somewhere, and who knows—your intern can be the next Lori Greiner or Payal Kadakia.
Why Should Startups Hire Interns?
Hiring an intern can help your business grow, gain new talent, and lead to a pipeline of full-time employees.
"As a business owner, I think it is vital to host interns," said Kristy Snyder, co-founder of Enthuse Marketing. "The experience helps college students have an opportunity to discover their preferences for future occupations."
Snyder mentions that there have been six interns in Enthuse Marketing's history. Out of those, three are now full-time employees.
"Having an internship program brings a diversity of thought to the agency," Snyder said. "It is always exciting to hear what interns are being exposed to in the classroom and what we can learn from them."
What are the Benefits of Bringing on Interns?
New perspectives. Interns offer a fresh, new view on different issues and processes. They challenge existing processes and bring new ideas to the table.
It's a trial period with the potential for more. An internship is a great way to train someone, familiarize them with your business, and test if they're a good fit for a full-time position. If you're a solopreneur and find someone who enhances your business, it might be a good idea to keep them around.
Extra set of hands. CPG brands can use more person power during busier times. Interns can assist with fulfilling orders, customer service, social media, and content creation.
Work experience. Helping the next generation of workers find their calling can be an enriching experience and bring new purpose every day. Having an intern will also help improve your leadership skills and provide a chance to be a manager.
Opportunities for brand awareness. Providing internships can also be a marketing tool. Depending on how jobs are advertised, you can promote your company to the local community and educational institutions.
Improve your work environment. Interns are often highly motivated, brimming with positive energy. If you already have employees, this attitude might easily rub off on others, improving your company's overall culture.
Stay connected to your future consumers. Here's an opportunity for some cost-effective market research. What is generation Z looking for in a CPG brand? What can make your product stand out?
Additional Resources on Hiring Interns and Best Practices
U.S. Department of Labor - Historically, many internships offered were expected to be unpaid learning opportunities. However, employment laws have evolved, and internships are now regulated. Check out this fact sheet to determine whether potential interns and students working for your company are entitled to minimum wages and overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) - NACE is a professional association that connects college career services, professionals, and potential employers. The website provides numerous resources, articles on internships for college students, and a listing forum.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Provides tips and suggestions for starting an internship program, including human resources considerations, recruitment strategies, and program implementation recommendations.
Interns can help solopreneurs accomplish more cost-effectively. They can be a precious asset to help grow and promote a business. Additionally, they can bring new skills to the team. However, it is crucial to ensure you follow the employment laws for your state. Consult with an employment lawyer or your local chamber of commerce before implementation to avoid messy legality issues in the future.