Internships can be a valuable addition to your workforce development strategy, but only if they’re done with the right mindset. As intern season kicks off, now is the time for small businesses to think critically about what internships should look like and how to create meaningful opportunities that benefit both the intern and your business.
Interns are not free labor. A strong internship program should be educational, engaging, and aligned with your company’s values.
What internships are (and are not)
Internships should never be about checking off backlogged tasks or sticking someone in a corner to file paperwork all summer. Instead, they should be a hands-on learning experience. The Department of Labor defines internships as a net-negative investment for employers — you’re offering time, guidance, and education in exchange for potential long-term value. That might mean building brand awareness, increasing referrals, or developing a future hire.
When designed thoughtfully, internships can serve as a powerful recruiting and branding tool. Interns who leave with a positive experience will talk about your company when they return to school, which helps build a reputation for being a place that invests in people — not just output.
What a good internship experience includes
A strong internship program should offer more than just work experience. It should give interns a window into how your organization operates, how decisions are made, and how relationships are built across your team.
Consider incorporating the following:
- Mentorship opportunities with team members who can offer feedback and support
- Meeting exposure so interns can observe strategic conversations and day-to-day operations
- Professional development through off-site experiences, such as industry events or conferences
- Culture-building activities like team lunches, happy hours, or shadowing days
- Social media highlights to show your investment in your interns and build visibility for your company
These added touches can turn a basic internship into a memorable, brand-enhancing experience.
Why small businesses offer unique value
Big corporations often have established programs with more resources, but small businesses offer something different and often more impactful. Interns in small companies get a broader, more integrated view of how the business runs. They might sit in on leadership discussions, help solve real-time challenges, and gain insight into every corner of the operation. This type of experience builds confidence, business acumen, and strong connections. For the business, it builds goodwill and potential loyalty down the line.
Interns may not join your team full-time after graduation, but they may refer others who are a great fit. A well-run program builds lasting relationships and boosts your visibility in the talent pipeline.
Create a program that works and pays off
When designed with intention, internships provide a long-term return on a short-term investment. They don’t have to be complicated. Small touches like assigning a mentor, building in shadowing time, or posting intern highlights on social media can go a long way.
At whyHR, we help small businesses build smart, people-first strategies, and internship programs are no exception. If you’re looking to develop or refine your internship experience, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to get started.