I’ve heard this question asked many times, and I think the answer depends on the business and what you need help doing. Spring is the perfect time to ask yourself the following 3 questions, especially as college students are realizing their summer break is quickly approaching and they need to do something with themselves, like considering an internship opportunity.
What tasks do you need help with? Can you easily delegate them?
This question is extremely important to ask yourself – it’s the first one that needs to be answered. Do you need help with your Social Media Marketing? Or perhaps doing research for a client?
Then YES! You should hire an intern, as they can help you complete these tasks, and it will be a great learning experience for them. But, if you need help with bookkeeping or sales, then an intern may not be the right choice; you may be better off finding someone who has experience in those areas.
How often do you need help? Is it every day, or maybe only once or twice a week?
If you’re so busy you need full-time help every day, then an intern really isn’t the right person, unless you have the budget to pay them (see below). An intern is perfect for those jobs that you either (a) don’t want to do, or (b) just don’t have the time to do. Jobs that are just a coupleof hours a week (10-20) where the intern can learn something from you by being around, but also be helpful to you.
Do you have a budget? How can you show your intern you appreciate their hard work?
Unpaid internships businesses love, but can be really hard on an intern. If you can only offer an unpaid internship you should keep in mind that the intern may need to work a second paid job in order to make money to pay for their education, cell phone, car, etc.
If you can afford to pay minimum wage and offer more hours, that could be beneficial to you both. Stipends for travel, or bonuses for going above and beyond are also great to offer to your interns to help offset their costs of living.
Once you’ve answered these 3 questions you’ll know if you don’t need any help, you should hire an intern, or if you should be looking for an experienced worker.
Here at Creare Marketing, we’re looking for an intern to help us with our Social Media Marketing, write some blogs, and help us with some of our projects. So, if you know someone interested in Small Business Marketing – send them our way!
And if you are a college student, stay tuned for some tips on what you should be doing to get an internship where you can take what you’ve learned in the classroom and implement it in “real life.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I should hire an intern?
Start by assessing the tasks you need help with. If you require assistance with things like social media marketing, blog writing, or research tasks that provide learning opportunities for a student, then an intern could be a great fit. However, if you need expertise in specialized areas like sales or bookkeeping, you may be better off hiring someone with more experience.
What types of projects are ideal for short-term support?
Tasks like content creation, social media management, and basic research are perfect for short-term team members. These roles allow for growth and learning while also helping you stay productive.
Are there responsibilities that shouldn’t be handed off to temporary hires?
Yes, highly technical or sensitive areas like finances, client sales, or anything that requires a lot of training and judgment are usually better suited for experienced professionals.
When should I start looking for summer help?
Spring is ideal. Many students are actively seeking meaningful work during their break, and reaching out early gives you access to a larger, more motivated talent pool.
What’s the benefit of seasonal team members for a small business?
They can bring fresh perspectives, energy, and support during your busiest months, all while gaining real-world experience. It’s a win-win when tasks align with their learning goals.
