Why investing in an intern is worth the effort

Let’s face it: hiring can be expensive. Enter interns. Enterprising university students are eager to gain experience, and can fill gaps in your team without breaking the bank. Gen Z, in particular, brings financial savvy to the table. With nearly three times more retirement savings than Gen X at the same age, this generation values financial stability and socially responsible consumerism. So, whether it’s sticking to budgets or championing causes, interns can move your company forward. 

You can click on any candidate to view their profile and see what other opportunities they have applied for with you.

Consider interns as a test case for potential full-time hires. In the US, most companies find that their internship programs offer the best return on investment when it comes to recruiting. With a solid 58% of interns transitioning to full-time roles, you’re not just sinking money into a stopgap solution – you’re investing in your company’s future. 

Gen Z is the first generation of true digital natives. Without memories of a time before the internet, they grew up with tech and can bring fresh insights to your team, especially in areas like social media and digital marketing. Need to up your TikTok game? Gen Z’s got you covered, comprising almost half of all users. They’re fluent in video, too – 80% of Gen Zs and 90% of Gen Alphas watch YouTube daily – and can leverage both platforms’ lo-fi aesthetic to help your brand connect with younger audiences. 

Like the bootless pumpkin that converts to Cinderella’s carriage, interns who transition to full-time employment will likely come in handy. Stats show that three-quarters of interns who accept a job with the same employer are still there a year later. In fact, after five years, they’re 15% more likely to stick around than non-former interns! After all, giving an intern a leg up can translate into a genuine appreciation for your company. That’s long-term loyalty you can count on!

Did you know that the brain’s superpower neuroplasticity – the ability to learn quickly – peaks between adolescence and twenty-five? That means your interns are biologically primed to soak up knowledge and adapt like sponges. 

Hiring interns isn't just about giving them experience; it’s about harnessing their flexibility to enhance your business. These young, eager minds are ready to dive into real-world scenarios and unlock their potential. By giving interns the chance to shine, you’re building a team of workers who truly understand and can grow with your business. After all, teaching an intern from scratch is easier than helping someone ‘unlearn’ bad habits!

An age-diverse team is packed with complementary abilities and experiences. Just think of the innovation potential when you combine the resourcefulness of Boomers, the technical skills of Gen X, the software savvy of Millennials, and the tech-drive of Gen Z. Developers of the first accessible 3D printer for metal credit their success to this dynamic combo. Bringing an intern on board can supercharge your team with multigenerational capacity, inspire mentoring and tackle ageism through meaningful collaboration. 

Gen Z is the most racially and culturally diverse generation yet. Since diverse teams make better business decisions and are twice as likely to drive profits, hiring interns from various backgrounds can boost your company’s creativity and performance. But while embracing corporate diversity can expand your talent pool, it’s important not to hire interns tokenistically. Genuine diversity means valuing the contributions of all staff – including young interns with big, bold ideas!

Mentorship is a win-win, improving job satisfaction and retention rates. Bringing interns on board offers your existing staff fantastic growth opportunities. Interns help mid-level employees develop management skills, and everyone benefits from a more proactive and organised team. 

Hiring interns isn’t just about the immediate needs of your business. It’s about building a stronger network. Today’s intern could be tomorrow’s CEO or your future business partner! Keeping an open mind and investing in emerging talent can pay off in unexpected ways, build long-lasting connections and, at the least, open doors for someone else.

Prosple is home to a million students around the world looking for an internship or graduate position. Simply create or login to your Prosple Employer Hub profile to post an internship - for free!