How to Hire an Intern

How to Hire an Intern

Daniel NewellProgram Manager Workforce & Economic Developmentdaniel.newell@sjsu.edu, 408.924.6028

Career Center

Learning Outcomes• Define an internship and the fundamentals of a successful internship

program • Assess whether or not your business is ready to accommodate an intern or

internship program• Identify and assess resources and strategies for recruiting an intern for your

internship program• Understand unique trends of recruiting Gen Y – the Millennials

Questions You May Have…• What is an intern?• What are the benefits of an internship program to my business?• Is my Business ready for an internship program?• Do I have to pay an intern?• I’m ready to deploy an internship program, how do I get started?• What is a millennial? And how do I recruit one? • What services does SJSU offer to help me develop and sustain a

successful internship program?

SJSU Career Center’s Definition of an Intern

An internship is a paid or unpaid, closely monitored, highly structured, strategic, well-defined, project-related program that provides professional work experience outside of the classroom environment. An internship merges academic, personal development and career exploration in one. Internships are typically part-time and can last three or more months but can also last for several years. Although interns are typically learners/trainees, an internship will combine academic and real world experiences providing meaningful, professional work assignments which meet the intern’s learning goals and objectives.

What is an intern?

Benefits of an Internship Program

• Giving back• Training the Next Gen workforce• Creating a pipeline of potential candidates

for continued employment opportunities with your company

• Marketing/branding of your company• Diversify work environment, gain new ideas

and trends – boost morale

What are the benefits of an internship program to my business?

Fundamentals of an internship program

• Provided mentoring• Project-based work• Welcoming and supportive environment• Treatment as part of the team• Access to a professional network• Periodic performance evaluations

Remember, an internship is a LEARNING experience!

Is my business ready for an internship program?

The Six Prong Test – to pay or not to pay an intern aka “Trainee”

1. The training, even though it includes actual operation of the facilities of the employer, is similar to that which would be given in an educational environment;

2. The internship experience is for the benefit of the intern; 3. The intern does not displace regular employees, but works under close supervision of

existing staff; 4. The employer that provides the training derives no immediate advantage from the

activities of the intern; and on occasion its operations may actually be impeded; 5. The intern is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship; and 6. The employer and the intern understand that the intern is not entitled to wages for the

time spent in the internship.

Do I have to pay an intern?

In exchange of not having to pay your trainee/intern, you become an extension of the classroom. For flexibility, pay your intern at least a minimum wage.

Do I have to pay an intern?

In exchange of not having to pay your trainee/intern, you become an extension of the classroom and provide extensive supervision and limited advantages. For flexibility, pay your intern at least a minimum wage.

I’m ready to deploy an internship program, how do I get started?

Getting Started

1. Assign a point-person to oversee the intern/internship program2. Identify a series of projects appropriate for an intern to work on or shadow3. Create space and identify how an intern will work as part of your team4. ** Create a internship/job description5. ** Create a performance evaluation process and documentation6. ** Develop a recruitment strategy

I’m ready to deploy an internship program, how do I get started?

Creating an Internship/Job Description

• About the company/internship (entice the reader!!! History, products/services, what makes it different, work environment, summary of the experience etc – what’s your brand?)

• Responsibilities/Commitment (including time commitment)• Desired skills/qualifications• Learning outcomes• Compensation• How to apply

SAMPLE INTERNSHIP/JOB DESCRIPTION

SAMPLE INTERNSHIP/JOB DESCRIPTION

I’m ready to deploy an internship program, how do I get started?

What to Consider in an Performance Evaluation

• Use areas from your Internship/Job description to identify core areas, functions and skills to evaluate

• Include soft-skills (critical thinking, problem solving, interpersonal skills, team work, etc.)

• Provide solutions to areas in need of continued professional development

Consider providing continuous support and feedback throughout the experience and provide professional development opportunities.

I’m ready to deploy an internship program, how do I get started?

Developing a Recruitment Strategy

• Through what educational institutions will seek to recruit interns? • High Schools• Career Technical Education (CTE) schools/programs• Community and government orgs• Community Colleges• Universities

To successfully recruit from these sources, you must know WHO you’re recruiting…

What is a millennial? How do I recruit one?

Definition of a Millennial

The Millennial generation is often identified as the generation of individuals born between 1980 – 2000, also known as Generation Y or Generation Me. Often noted for being the most connected and educated generation.

What is a Millennial?

Millennial Experiences

• Internet• 09/11• Election of first black president• Great Recession• Enhanced globalization• Integration (diversity)• Mobile devices• Civic duty/engagement

What is a Millennial?

Millennial Work Ethic

Work/Life Integration

• Always “plugged-in”• Instant access/gratification• Flexibility• Innovation & creativity• Experts in multi-tasking• Prefers electronic communication,

including text messages• Prefers lots of praise and feedback• Most educated generation in history

What are some of their potential challenges?

What is a Millennial?

Your recruitment strategy can include various channels of sourcing

• Job boards/classifieds• Job/Internship fairs• Networking events• Contract recruiters

What is a Millennial?

SJSU Resources

• No Cost Services:o SpartaJobso Drop-in Interviews

• Fee-Based-Services:o SJSU Spartan Staffingo Job/Internship Fairso Information Sessionso Sponsorship opportunities

What services does SJSU offer?

SpartaJobs: www.sjsu.edu/careercenter What services does SJSU offer?

SpartaJobs: www.sjsu.edu/careercenter What services does SJSU offer?

SJSU Spartan Staffing: www.sjsu.edu/careercenter What services does SJSU offer?

What services does SJSU offer?

Highlights:• Access to 16,000+ current SJSU students and alumni• Invest in a staffing service that gives back to education, funding more programs for

student professional growth and development• Receive customized job matching and student/alumni referral• Increase your ROI and bottom line by allowing us to take care of the entire recruitment

process (HR, payroll, recruitment, employee relations, branding, brand awareness, etc.)

What services does SJSU offer?

Assess, develop, deploy!

Contact SJSU if we can be of assistance:

Daniel NewellProgram ManagerWorkforce & Economic Development408.924.6028daniel.newell@sjsu.edu