Ah yes...summer interns!
Some of theONswitch's best -- and worst -- summer seasons over the past six years involved interns...those fantastic, enthusiastic (especially during interviews), hopeful, and fun-loving people who populate companies from May through August.
Sadly, the internship is becoming a year-round phenomenon, as entry-level positions are scarce and college graduates are less qualified and prepared than ever before to tackle "real jobs."
Our most shocking and amusing intern experience (dubbed the "itchy butt incident") was featured in a Business Week article. But most of our successful interns -- our "intern angels" as it were -- have not had posterior problems, and have gone on to do awesome things. For example, Sara who did a month-long stint as a summer intern in 2008 stayed on with theONswitch and was just promoted to Marketing Director. We think we finally have found the magic formula for hiring interns.
So, what are some of the qualities of the "ideal intern?
He is able to maintain the same level of enthusiasm on Day 30 as on Day 1 (or at least fake it well) She asks a lot of questions (as in actually speaking with her voice -- not just via e-mail and texts) He doesn't whine. Yes, work is hard and unpleasant at times. That's why it's called work. My generation of boomer parents created an unrealistic happy-land for our kids -- where pain and suffering were minimized and every decision was collaborative. As managers, we are now paying the price. (Payback is a bitch!) She realizes that the professional relationships one builds in her teens and 20's can have an impact in later life. Bridge-burning is never smart He learns how to use his social media superpowers for purposes beyond socializing. Social media is great for marketing, research, and public relations too She is able to rebound rapidly from mid-week partying. Caffeine and mascara (for women only, please) are business essentials He makes an effort to spend time with business owners and executives, but doesn't suck up to the boss or alienate other interns If you are an employer reading this, please feel free to comment with your own intern wisdom. And if you are (or know) a prospective intern, theONswitch is, in fact, seeking an unpaid autumn intern. We created a fabulous 90-day training program. One word of caution: If your butt itches, please keep it to yourself.
How to Survive Your First Job (I am actually quoted throughout the book)
Why interns are good for business
Where DC summer interns swap stories
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