Here at Trend Bible we really value the input of our interns, and I like to think I cultivate a fun, creative and helpful learning environment in exchange for some hard graft!
When I speak to other small business owners, I'm often asked about how we attract the right interns to the business, and how we manage the workload and studio so that the intern has a great experience but ultimately, is as helpful as possible. On average we get around 40 CVs a week from students all over the world asking if they can come and work with us. So far in 3 years we've had 15 students work with us, some of whom have now graduated and work on freelance projects with us. The placement scheme is a really crucial tool for me to trial potential future employees at low or no cost, and really see how these individuals perform doing tasks that they would be asked to do as employees.
I've also asked our database of past and present interns for their top tips on how to get a placement, and how to be a great intern.
Top Tips for Employers
1/ Find an educational institution you trust, and stick with it. We have relationships with 4 colleges and universities in the UK, although we place an emphasis on taking North East-based interns in order that we support the local community, and in the hope that one day, we can turn these opportunities into paid jobs. Liaise, and develop a relationship with, the university placement officer; eventually they will get to know your requirements and pull a shortlist of candidates together for you, saving you valuable interviewing time.
2/ Nurture your intern! It's imperative that your student gives you his/her all, and if they feel you spend adequate time developing their skills and interests, then they will be much more likely to support you.
3/ Get them to do a Fresh Eyes test in the first two weeks. I can`t remember the exact phrase for this, but while at a business event, Andy Hanselman mentioned this technique, where you can gain valuable insights into your business from people looking in with `fresh eyes`.
4/ Don't just get them to do menial tasks and make the tea (even though we've had some rather excellent tea makers at Trend Bible HQ). Our placement students have each brought their own specialisms to the table, and I find that students are tuned into a world of online media and blogs that I just aren't on my frequency. They genuinely add something to the overall team mix.
5/ Six months is the perfect length of time for a placement; the student has time to develop and repeat tasks for long enough that they can improve, yet it's not such a long placement that they get bored.
6/ Plan their workload week by week. I sit with our placement student at the beginning of the week and plan out their workload for the rest of the week, adding a few extra jobs incase they are quick workers and run out of tasks.
7/ If a placement isn't really working out, have a frank discussion and ask the student if they would like to terminate the placement early. Life's too short to be unhappy at work (especially if it's unpaid!) and placements are intended to allow the student to see if this industry is for them- there's a real chance they may discover it's not. This is where a good relationship with the university placement officer comes into its own- they will be able to track down another suitable candidate asap.
8/ Ask your interns to help you build a system to support future interns. We have a folder on our server called How We Do Things where every job in the studio is broken down into bite-sized steps. This saves me having to repeatedly explain tasks.
9/ Mix up the jobs so that the intern has about two different tasks in any one day. We break our jobs down into 'cut and stick' jobs and computer-based jobs so that each individual can swap and change their workload to suit them.
10/ Get them to go out and about. Whether it`s networking events, finding out about your competitors first-hand, or accompanying you to client meetings, students love to be involved and get out of the office.
Top Tips from Interns, to Interns
1/ Many courses don't have a 'sandwich' year set aside for you to gain real work experience, so it's really important to try and get a placement organised during Easter, summer or Christmas holidays. Many university courses will allow you time within the semester to partake in work experience, and will allow you some flexibility on project deadlines to compensate for this, should you find it difficult to arrange a placement in holiday time.
2/ Be open and honest and up-front from the start; if you have any pre-booked holidays or essential appointments, mention them in the interview.
3/ If there are specific things you want to learn, or specific talents you can bring to the company, be vocal about this.
4/ Ask for structured reviews so that you can record and monitor your progress, it will help you write your end of placement report.
5/ Do every job to the best of your ability, what might seem like a boring or unimportant job to you will be scrutinised by your boss. Every task is an opportunity to make a good impression- including making tea!
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