Benefits of creating an internship program

Employers in the Columbus Region benefit from internships in multiple ways. Increasingly, employers use "prior work experience" as a criterion when evaluating candidates for entry level positions. Through meaningful college internships, newly-minted graduates can clearly demonstrate previous experience. In addition, employers are able to "test drive" interns as potential employees, gauging both technical competency and cultural fit against company expectations. And because students are able to make the same assessment, recruiting costs are reduced because better hiring decisions are made. Finally, internships strengthen the relationship between the academic community and employers. Employers can communicate directly with educational institutions about changing skill requirements, trends in technology, etc.

Because they are "sticky," internships benefit the Columbus Region, making everyone stronger by counteracting the "brain drain." Students who intern for local companies are more likely to stay in that community after graduation.

Indeed, today's savvy college students understand that internships are critical to their education. Even if participation is not a formal part of their academic program, they will seek out internship opportunities for their own benefit. They gain real world experiences that are often not attainable in a classroom setting. They understand that an internship will set them apart from other candidates without internship experience.