Internships are obviously beneficial to students – they gain practical work experience while getting the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to actual on-the-job experience.  Internship programs are also beneficial for the company – and the benefits go far beyond inexpensive labor.  Internships are a smart recruitment tool and great investment for any employer.

Many companies have a difficult time finding qualified entry-level employees, and developing an internship program offers a great solution to that problem.  An internship can be likened to a 2-month job interview, because a company really gets the chance to assess an individual’s character, work ethic and skills – all of which are crucial to any employer but aren’t always revealed in one or two short interviews.

Employers consistently report higher retention rates among employees who got their start as interns with the company.  All of this translates into significant savings in recruitment, and consequently, higher returns on investment. 

Developing constructive internships can be time consuming, but if the right structures are in place, they can actually be a cost-saving measure for your company.  Seattle Jobs Initiative is here to make the process easier; feel free to call our employment broker for questions or assistance.