Hosting an internship can be a wonderful experience for all involved. A successful internship provides students with an unparalleled opportunity to apply their classroom learning to the workplace. Internships also provide host organizations with high-achieving workers who bring a fresh perspective and ideas. In order for an internship to be successful, both the site supervisor and the intern must understand how an internship differs from a job, and both must commit to working together to make the most of the opportunity.
Benefits of Internships to:
Employers:
- Gain enthusiastic and motivated workers
- Assistance with special projects
- Develop supervisory skills of staff
- Access to students with special skills and knowledge
- Opportunity to train new professionals in your field
- Develop your own pool of potential employees
Students:
- An opportunity to "test-drive" a career choice
- Develop specific skills and knowledge related to a career
- Develop professional contacts
- Learn directly from experienced professionals
- Gain experience in a real-world situation, including interviewing, working with others, communication skills, and cultures of various work environments
Information on how to start and maintain a quality internship program can be found here. (Information kindly provided by Michael True, Director, Messiah College).
