Employers tend to have lower turnover rates for college students who have participated in an internship. It also helps that the students have work-related experience along with their education.
Brittney,
This is a great point; you are very right that there is lower turn-over for employers who locate great employees via internships. This is certainly an incentive for employers to help cultivate great employees!
Dr. James Willis III
Employers benefit in many ways from having interns in the workplace. Interns bring positive attitude with them, usually full of enthusiasm. This can rub off on other employees creating a more positive workplace. Also, as interns are learning their field, seasoned employees tend to coach and guide them in their tasks. You've heard the phrase, "It only takes one bad apple...." This is true in this case as well. Internships allows time for their true colors to shine, good or bad.
James,
You make many excellent points here! I think one thing that resonates well is the bit about 'true colors.' Sometimes the pressures of the workplace bring out the best - and worst - in people. So, for employers it's good to get a "test run" of someone's demeanor and attitude, and it's good for students to learn how to cope with the demands expected of them.
Dr. James Willis III
I particularly like this reply. It's as if employers getting employees with a blank slate to work with (as far as good or bad working habits/practices go). These new workers seem to be more versatile and not "set in their ways."
Luis,
This is a great point - you're right that employers are able to instill good or desirable traits in their interns and, hopefully, future employees!
Dr. James Willis III
Agree. I have been very impressed with the internships that my sons experienced. Their enthusiasm was tested in the workplace and the company leadership took time to mentor the students. Interships offer the best aspects of the apprentice system from the trades and applies it to skills in business and service. One important aspect that my kids do not recognize until later, they committed to and fulfilled a contract. Each received a thorough review and out brief from the firm and the school. I also am seeing this notion extended to high school with capstone projects that take on the same characteristics.
Francis,
You bring up some great points here, especially from a direct point-of-view. You're very right to point out the value of mentoring because those types of relationships be the determination of success or failure for a student who is in the process of becoming a professional. Great point!
Dr. James Willis III
Employs who take the time to train interns, increase in their interpersonal/ supervisory skills as well as their knowledge and hands on skills, making them stronger.
Angela,
This is a great point; oftentimes in these situations, both teachers and students may learn from each other. For some, the supervisory experience is beneficial, while for others learning the skills in the workplace is most helpful. The good thing about internships is that everyone benefits!
Dr. James Willis III
Employers have multiple benefits. This is a long working interview so it can determine if the student is a possible fit for their position. It also allows them to evaluate the program and the competencies of it so if they would like to hire someone in the future they will contact us. Finally it gives them the opportunity to share their knowledge and experience and help to train the next group of future leaders.
Amy,
This is a great analysis! You bring up a great point: it's important to train tomorrow's leaders with the best of what we know today. This is an outstanding point!
Dr. James Willis III
Many employers that accept internships are those that are forward thinking and allows themselves to be evaluated on a level that often corporations are ignorant to. As we are all aware, many employers become set in their ways and are not comfortable with thinking outside the box or moving forward with new risks. When you have fresh young blood coming into corporations such as those, this will allow the leadership team to obtain a different perspective or new ideas as to what the society is desiring or in need of. While there is trepidation with any types of these leaps there are also comes a point where leadership must listen to interns and accept their ideas and make good sound judgments or decisions based on information that is provided.
Steven,
All great points - you're right that sometimes a new perspective is helpful in business! Ideally, the leadership of a given company will listen to new ideas and learn from them...
Dr. James Willis III
Internship programs give the emplyers the opportunities to find prospective employees for permanent employment.
