Paying It Forward
THIS BELONGS IN EVERY BUSINESS LIBRARY!
As you may know, every summer I take on a student intern for 12 months. Their job is to research, draft sales copy and get trained in both marketing and writing.
These skills get used for developing communications strategies, social media posts, collateral, websites and newsletters, and are easily transferable to their future business endeavors.
For this opportunity, interns are paid $20 per hour and gain discipline, people skills and knowledge about managing deadlines, clients, media and budgets.
Naturally, an ability to overlook my bad jokes is a bonus.
This program, now in its 15th year, was initially just an inexpensive labor pool for me. Having done several internships myself when in college, I recognized the immense value practical work experience provides to someone just starting their career. Work internships have educational value that can be leveraged into job offers.
Only a funny thing happened, as my own education has expanded. These youngsters are teaching this old dog a few new tricks about apps, social media, modern messaging…and patience.
Interns are great for any business or nonprofit, and I’d encourage you to put a program together yourself if you don’t already have one. Just recognize going in that these are college students (hence the low price tag and the eagerness) who don’t have a wealth of experience and sometimes need more than a little TLC.
The good news is you’ll have first shot at hiring them upon graduation. The bad news: Unrealistic salary expectations, a thirst for adventure, love or new career directions may all take them away once you’ve trained them.
Ah, but helping someone launch a lifetime of work they’ll enjoy is a priceless experience. And if you do hire them, you’ll have someone who understands how your organization operates and hits the ground running on Day One.
Do yourself and a young person a favor, building your business by investing just a few bucks. Interview them recognizing these are very much entry level positions under discussion, and forgive them for not understanding how things work in the sandbox the big kids play in.
Besides, if you hire the right interns — and are open to the experience — you might just learn some new jokes along the way.
I always do…but just choose to not use them.
With that said, I wish you a week of profitable marketing.
Join me on Instagram @askmistermarketing.