Interns…are you ready for them?

Today’s blog is about the interns…

 Updates! The workshop is busy with 50% off deals for the umemployed and of course, virus repairs. I brought on a new intern from ITT Tech and he’s been having a fun week with me learning all the little things that can happen in a computer repair shop. We set him up with his own computer to keep our libraries of drivers and software. He’s also going to set up a Linux server for me. YAY! My first one. I really haven’t needed one in the past, but what the heck…I’ll have one. For the first time, I’ll have a workshop with every operating system going on. Linux, Windows and Mac. Exciting times! (for a geek LOL). 

The other interns (all from St. Thomas btw)…are a blazing away with their projects. Next week is the week they all launch their new projects, all at the same time! I have had fun helping them along, learning why their project is important and most important, how to get it done by deadline and following a project outline. I really enjoy helping the students learn the value of “back end marketing” versus “marketing that time time” and “marketing NOW”. I use all three with my business. All three work too.

I have on 5 interns, business and marketing, finance and technical. They all come in my workshop on different days, with their own computer work areas and I gave them all their own email accounts. Which I require they use for internal communications. Some of their profiles are listed in the “meet the interns” link at the top of the page. The page is getting updated right now, so check back to meet them all in a few days.

Are you ready for interns? I was ready after my business was running for about 9 months. I had one gal on for about a year and together we got her some really good technical experience to graduate with. Did I need an intern? No. I wanted to help and I had time to give. That is the most important thing about interns. It’s not getting them board to do your crap work, but rather the opposite. Give them projects they can learn from and take some load off your to do list at the same time. I have vowed to never give the interns “junk work” unless it’s a necessary element of their proejct.

If you have alot of business/marketing needs coming up, I recommend that you go to the St. Thomas website and put up an ad for an intern. I got great applicants and have my “intern academy” working hard. Right now I have 6 on board, all doing different projects that have value for my business and their future.

Some more tips…

• Don’t take the first interns on that apply. I have been through a few since last year and you have to remember that an intern’s life comes first. Make sure that they have the same focus as you do and can give the time. I also recommend getting a senior who needs experience. Seniors tend to have the graduation/experience mindset and want to get as much done as they can. In a short amount of time.
• Figure out a communication method right away. Phone, email or text. I have found each intern likes to talk to me in different ways.
• Paid or unpaid? One of my interns said they gave up looking for a paid internship a long time ago. Paying internships are probably preferred, but I would only consider paying one if they were also doing other office duties for me. I do unpaid as it’s project based work that has value for their future positions, resume or interview experience. My interns only do projects that will help their careers.
• Schedule times for them to come in the office and help. Make them accountable for coming in or letting you know if they cannot come in. I had one intern that decided his schedule was more important than mine. 8 weeks later of me rescheduling clients for his schedule, he was let go. Having an intern requires YOUR time too, as you must mentor them. That means you cannot work during that time. Your time is important too!
• I have found that the interns doing it for experience and not credit for school are working best for me. Their dedication is unbelievable. They really do want “real business experience” and you can help them! Mentor them the best you can and you will enjoy the experience as well!

I hope this guide helps you if you are ready to bring on a student or two. Feel free to call me if you have any questions!

Lisa

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