It may be winter now…but summer is never far away!
Summer is traditionally a time for bringing college students into the workplace as interns. The students gain valuable work experience, and employers get a chance to spot potential and recruit talent.
To increase your chances of attracting the best interns and keeping them productive, try these tactics:
- Give them a discount. Offer interns your standard employee discount on any products you sell. They’ll enjoy the price break and maybe show off your merchandise to their friends.
- Get top management involved. Plan a lunch for your interns with top executives. Giving them an audience with company leaders will boost their morale and let your executives see interns’ potential for themselves.
- Establish a mentor program. Pair students with some of your best workers, who can offer them firsthand insights and real-world work knowledge. If you can’t offer a full-blown mentoring program, provide a valuable session on the importance of networking or career building.
- Include them in lighter side of work. Fun activities, such as a ballgame or company picnic, should be open to interns as well as full-time employees. This gives them a chance to socialize and network, and to see the lighter side of the workplace.