5 Strategies for Finding and Retaining Quality Interns
When it comes to finding and retaining quality interns, it’s essential that businesses take a strategic approach in order to maximise their investments in this valuable talent pool. Interns are an invaluable source of new ideas, energy, and enthusiasm, and having a comprehensive plan for recruiting, onboarding, and managing them can help ensure that businesses get the most out of their internships programs.
With the right approach, internships can be a win-win situation for both employers and interns. Employers get access to talent, while interns get the chance to gain valuable experience and develop their professional skills. However, as with any hiring process, finding and retaining quality interns can be challenging.
Here are five strategies for finding and retaining quality interns.
1. Develop an Effective Recruiting Plan
The first step in finding and retaining quality interns is developing an effective recruiting plan. Reaching out to potential candidates on multiple channels – including job boards, social media, and university career services – can help increase your applicant pool. Additionally, provide a clear job description for the internship and any additional information about company culture and benefits to give potential applicants an idea of what to expect.
2. Create an Engaging Onboarding Process
Once you’ve identified and selected your interns, it’s important to make sure they have an engaging onboarding process. A well-crafted onboarding program should introduce interns to the company culture, provide them with clear expectations, and set them up for success with the right tools and resources. Additionally, be sure to provide plenty of opportunities for interns to network with other employees and ask questions.
3. Set Clear Expectations
To ensure that you’re getting the best talent, it’s important to have a clear outline of the skills and qualifications you’re looking for. This will help you determine the best candidates for the job and ensure that they have the necessary resources and support to succeed.
Having clear expectations for interns is essential for creating a successful internship program. Outline the intern’s expected hours, duties, and responsibilities in addition to any deliverables that must be met. Additionally, make sure to set achievable goals so that interns know what they need to do to succeed in the role.
4. Provide Mentorship & Feedback
Throughout the internship, it is essential to offer mentorship and guidance to help interns develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles. Mentoring can take many forms, from formal one-on-one meetings to informal conversations. Make sure to also provide interns with feedback on their progress throughout the internship. This will help you track their progress and provide guidance to help them reach their goals.
Besides that, you can also provide interns with opportunities to network and learn from colleagues. This will help them build relationships and gain insight into how different departments works.
5. Offer Incentives
Offering incentives is an excellent way to motivate interns and encourage them to stay with the company. Incentives can range from free snacks and lunches to discounts at nearby businesses or even a bonus or stipend at the end of the internship. Additionally, provide interns with the opportunity to work on meaningful projects and give them recognition for their accomplishments.
Finding and retaining quality interns is essential for any business that wants to make the most out of their internship program. By utilizing the above strategies, businesses can ensure that they are recruiting and onboarding the best possible candidates and helping them to succeed. Through clear expectations, engaging onboarding processes, incentives, and the right tools, businesses can create an effective and rewarding internship program for their interns.
Looking for a quality intern? Check out Kabel, a job-matching app to find interns with the skills and experience you need and connect with them directly. Try it today and find the perfect intern for your team!