Tips, Quips and Tallies: The Ultimate Recruiting Tool - A Post-graduate Internship

By Tanya Young, Graduate Retention Field Representative

Many of us are aware of the benefits student interns can bring to your organization (such as new ideas and increased productivity), but have you considered hiring a post-graduate intern? Before you answer that question, consider the following:

-Do you need an entry-level position filled but are afraid of the recruiting costs?
-Do you fear that your new hire ultimately may not be a good fit for your organization?

Developing a post-graduate internship may be the best solution to address the above concerns. It is an effective way to evaluate an individual's employment potential. In addition, you can save money by transitioning an intern into a full-time employee rather than recruiting a full-time hire. Consider the costs associated with recruiting and hiring a full-time employee:

-Advertising expenses
-Internet services

-Third-party agency contract and fees

-Referral bonus costs

-Signing bonus

-Technology-based hiring management

The added benefit of hiring post-graduate interns full-time is that you do not have to wait for them to complete their studies. In addition, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers' 2009 Experiential Education Survey, nearly 40% of employers reported a higher five-year retention rate among employees they had hired from their internship programs. 

The Graduate Retention Program staff is available to assist you in creating, advertising and filling internship opportunities in Northeast Indiana. If you are interested in a presentation or informational meeting, please contact Tanya Young at tyoung@fwchamber.org or (260) 413-9788.