3 Steps to Creating an Internship Program

According to internships.com, 67% of 2013 graduates completed at least one internship during college.

If you’re looking for enthusiastic, low-cost labor, internships can provide your small business with many benefits. Thinking about implementing an internship program? Here are three things to keep in mind:

1) Know the laws.

If you’re not planning on paying your intern, remember the U.S. Department of Labor puts very firm limits on the work an unpaid intern can perform. Here’s what you need to know:

• Unpaid interns can’t do any work that contributes to your business’ operations. This includes any tasks that help you run your business, like documenting inventory, filing papers and answering emails.
• Unpaid interns can shadow other employees and perform duties that don’t have a business need. For example, a bakery may allow an intern to decorate a tray of cookies that will not be sold to customers.

2) Outline your program.

Clearly defining your program will not only help attract and nurture the right talent, but also ensure that the program proves to be a success.

• Outline what the learning objectives of the role. If you’re hiring a marketing intern, one key objective might be providing the intern with a basic knowledge of email marketing best practices.
• List out daily responsibilities. Remember, students are accustomed to receiving clear direction.
• Add in any short- or long-term projects or assignments you need help with.
• Be clear on how you’ll evaluate performance.

Don’t forget the basics, too: work hours, business ethics, code of conduct, new hire orientation. Everything you do for a regular new hire should also apply to an intern.

3) Recruit.

Again, don’t skip the basics. Compile a formal job description and include the specifics about the role, responsibilities and learning opportunities. In addition to posting the position on your website and usual recruitment channels, take advantage of intern-specific recruitment sites like internships.com, aftercollege.com, careerrookie.com, youth.jobs and monsteryouthjobs.com. Each of these organizations also participates in the government’s Youth Jobs+ program, an initiative designed to bring together elected officials, local businesses, nonprofit organizations and faith institutions to create pathways to employment for young Americans.