Internships
What are the benefits to employers when they have students as interns?
When we send our students out to intern sites we explain that every day is an "interview" and that they should only discuss things that they would discuss in an interview. The staff, faculty and managers have the opportunity to learn the intern's strengths and weaknesses, they can "feel" out their personality, professionalism and their talent. This gives the managers a chance to determine if this person would be a good fit for their team. A 1-2 hour interview is hard to determine how well a person will fit and what kind of employee they will be, but a nine week clinical rotation leaves plenty of time for them to "get to know" each other.
Melissa,
You are absolutely correct that every day is an "interview" at an intern site. Sometimes it's difficult to express this adequately to students. That said, an internship is a very effective way of teaching professionalism, to help them highlight their strengths and constructively work on their weaknesses. What are some ways you work with students to help them develop these professional skills before they begin their rotation(s)? Are there other ways to help students learn what to expect and the ways they should act?
Dr. James Willis III
One of the benefits to employers is that the current staff maintains and may gain new skills and perspectives working with interns. Seeing and working with the enthusiasm that interns may bring to the workplace may remind current employees of why they chose their career and help them maintain their positive engagement.
Caro,
This is a great point! There is a reciprocal relationship that can be gained from positive attitudes in the workplace. Interns often bring fresh energy to the workplace that sometimes gets lost over time. Great point!
Dr. James Willis III
I believe the intern offers much to a company. A long-term (sometimes for my college program - 10 weeks)relationship allows the honeymoon effect to wear off and a more authentic evaluation to begin. A person having just completed a lengthy rotation at a hospital, for instance, is oriented to much of what a newly hired employee would require for orientation. The staff already know the intern, the intern already knows if the site will be a good fit for future employment, and the engagement can become the successful marriage of intern to facility.
Phil,
Great point with the 'honeymoon effect' - this is very true for internships. Oftentimes, as you highlight, this can lead to a very fruitful relationship; this also reflects well on the school! Great job!
Dr. James Willis III
If the learner is receptive to a new environment,interviews are a good teaching tool.
Victor,
That's a very good suggestion! It's also beneficial to help students prepare for interviews by coaching them with mock interviews. The skills honed in mock interviews can make the difference between getting the job and not getting the job. Great suggestion!
Dr. James Willis III
The benefits to employers, when they have students as interns are costs savings. Secondly, the companies will also have good retention for the future
Therese,
Very good point! There is a cost savings associated with internships; students can gain valuable skills and employers are able to capitalize on new talent. Great job!
Dr. James Willis III
i think it makes them feel of a value or equal to us. they want to take part more in the class also. sometimes they also feel that they can teach someone else . the big one is respect in my view point
Bryan,
You are very right! There's an old saying that you don't understand something until you have to teach it; it is very true! If there is a way that students working in internships can help others by teaching something, they will certainly learn from that experience.
Dr. James Willis III
This not only gives the student an excellent oppurtunity to learn various objectives in their field of study but it gives them a chance to see what it's really like to work in this given profession. As for employers, they get to see first hand what type of worker this student will be. Many of my students have gotten jobs offers from their intern sites before they even left. Win - win in my book!
Ashley,
Absolutely, it is a win-win situation! You are very right to point out that both students and employers benefit from a productive internship!
Dr. James Willis III
The benefits to employers is that certain internships can be considered as a working interview to determine if this individual would be a candidate to work in ones facility. Also if the facility is looking to restructure their staff, than they can train them to certain specifications to accommodate their new direction. Finding good help is difficult and interns can be more flexible and accommodating to the needs of new potential employer.
Belinda,
Good point. This also provides students the ability to put additional skills they've learned on their resumes; many times these skills only come from on-the-job training.
Dr. James Willis III
Having students as interns is beneficial to the employer. Employers are able to train potential new hires while they are still students. Generally, the internship is for a number of weeks or months which may be longer than the normal training time. Employers get to see the student in action and assess the learning skills before hiring them. If the student is hired by the employer, the employer did not have to pay for the training. Also, employers can see what skills a school is teaching students prior to hiring other students from the school.
I agree with the win-win. Even though schools have hands on and practical situations in the classrooms, during internship students are able to work with real life situations before actually starting work. Instead of having a 30 minute interview with a site, they have the opportunity to "interview" for weeks or months by proving themselves while they are there. On the other hand, employers are able to assess the student as well.
Rachael,
You are very right - having such a lengthy relationship with an employer certainly gives the student an advantage over other would-be candidates. Within the school atmosphere, it's best to help teach students how to be successful so they can put their best feet forward, as it were!
Dr. James Willis III
