The Case for Paying Your Interns
It can be hard to predict workflow throughout the changing seasons, so as a business leader, you might be thinking about adding interns to your team.
An internship or any other type of temporary short-term working engagement, including a fellowship or work study program, is a great way to give inexperienced workers the opportunity to gain valuable on the job training. At the same time, they can add extra bandwidth to your business, freeing time to take on neglected back burner projects. Got a marketing initiative you wanna testor a teetering pile of inventory to sort? Interns can help get it done, and the program can be a win-win for both parties.
I’m 100% for these initiatives— provided you compensate interns for their work!
I know, I know, you may be thinking “Wait, I never got paid as an intern?!?! That’s probably true! In fact, data shows over 40% of US internships are still unpaid. But the times, they are a changin’, and there are many important reasons to pay interns for their work:
Top Talent: A lot of people who would be great in a part-time temporary role at your company can’t afford to work for nothing. Offering paid internships opens the possibility to a larger group of talented candidates from diverse backgrounds and removes financial barriers that may prevent them from participating.
Value Alignment: Paying people a fair wage is just good business sense. It helps build and reinforce values of centering humans in the workplace and demonstrates your commitment to investing in the development of less experienced professionals in the local community.
Recognition and Respect: Interns can bring a fresh perspective, enthusiasm, and an eagerness to learn in the workplace. By compensating them for their contributions, you acknowledge their value and foster a culture of appreciation and respect.
Good Brand Cred: While paying interns requires an upfront investment, the returns in good brand credibility and loyalty are often significant. Interns who have positive experiences and are compensated fairly are more likely to become brand ambassadors or even potentially return as full-time employees down the road.
Legal Compliance: In some jurisdictions, paid internships aren’t just a best practice, they’re a legal requirement. Paying interns ensures compliance with state and local labor laws and helps mitigate the risk of potential legal liabilities or penalties.
Still not convinced? I’ll ask you a question:
Did an unpaid internship help you learn the value of your work?
The outdated idea that you have to “pay your dues” by working for free doesn’t set new or new-to-your-industry workers up for success. It perpetuates a culture of undervaluing a workforce that can prevent your business from moving forward.
When you learn better you do better. Paying interns is not just the right thing to do—it's also a strategic investment in the future success of your small business.
Having conversations like this is one of the things that I offer my clients in my ongoing support packages. Learn more about that offering here.
If you'd like to know more about working with me, let’s set up a free, no-pressure, 30-minute consultation here.
