Benefits of having some interns

I’m pretty excited (and I know that happens easily sometimes) but in the last few weeks by sheer miracle I have managed to get 4 HR Interns to work with me in their uni break.

Why did I want to do this?

First and foremost, like I say on my blog about the reasons for HR Club Sydney- learning from experience or other people’s experiences is invaluable. I love university and learned so much, but I really think it needs to be a combination of theory and practice to produce the next generation of HR leaders. For this reason I realised how important it is for university students to graduate with some HR experience. I work with science and engineering students all the time, and many of these kids have internships and work experience built in to their degrees. It’s really important, and given all the wonderful mentors I’ve had (and still have) I think it’s important to give back- so that’s what I wanted to do.

Secondly, I have a number of cool projects that I want some other perspectives (and help) on, and as I currently sit onsite by myself, it’s great to have some energetic people around me ready to give ideas without restrictions on what is and isn’t possible.

How can having interns benefit my company?

I found this info below on Dutchinternship.com- and totally agree.

SHORT TERM BENEFITS
• Interns bring increased productivity. Student interns are motivated. They are new, fresh, and out there to prove themselves. Interns commit to tasks and work hard at completing them quickly and efficiently. Interns are able to work on a variety of projects with enthusiasm.

• Manage new employment. Internships are a great way to bring in possible future employees. Internships offer a trial period in which the employer is able to assess the skills and usefulness of an intern without the full commitment of an employee.

• Establish critical relationships. Offering internships creates the avenue to new relationships and contacts. Internships open the door to cooperation with universities, students, and other companies.

• Relieve overwork. Interns can help relieve areas or times of excess work. Interns are available throughout the year and can be crucial additions to accomplish what needs to be done. Interns can act as support to the existing staff.

• New ideas and perspectives. Interns bring with them the knowledge and skills learned through education. They have new ideas, insights, and processes that will benefit the workforce and work environment of the company.

• Enhance leadership and supervisory skills. Through the mentoring of interns the staff develops skills in being leaders and supervisors. Having an intern benefits both the intern and the company through mutual education and the building of essential skills.

LONG TERM BENEFITS
• Interns are potential employees. Interns can be the future of the company. A successful intern can be a successful employee that grows the company. Internships are the ultimate proving and testing ground.

• Molded and shaped skill sets. Interns are open slates and ready to learn. Internships give the employer the opportunity to mold and shape the skills most sought after for the company.

• Retain qualified talent. Interns hired after internships are more likely to stay with the company for a longer time. In addition to this the interns already possess the required skills.

• Cut-down on recruitment costs and risks. Having the available pool of interns will decrease the costs used to seek out new employees. Also, the quality and history of the intern is known which reduces risks compared to new recruits.

• Benefit the educational system. Internships are used to educate. By accepting interns, companies are helping to promote and benefit the educational system. This develops a more educated culture and society.
So it’s my pleasure to introduce my HR Interns to you. They have already demonstrated their passion and interest in the world of HR and I hope that they thoroughly enjoy the experience.

1) Nicola Begg

• B Business and Commerce (HR & OD)
• Intends on completing honours
• Interested in Leadership Development

2) William Mach

• B Science (Psychology)
• M Commerce (HR & IR)
• Interested in Recruitment and Selection, SAP and Learning & Development

3) Louise Bennett

• B Human Resources Management
• 3rd year student
• Interested in gaining real experience before graduation

4) Rachel Ding

• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and HR)
• Achieved a UAI of 91.2
• Wants to become a HR Manager

I will encourage them to blog on here so when they do, please make them feel welcome