Sides and Mrvica (2007:31-57) devote an entire chapter to benefits involved in hosting interns (or students for work-integrated learning:
- Contribution to the growth of the profession - 21st century learning organisations will consciously devote efforts to the growth of their professions
- Gaining knowledge of what is being taught in academic institutions - hosting interns create two-way communication between organisations and academic institutions
- Accessing new ideas, skills and training - interns are often a source of fresh, new and enthusiastic ideas
- Expanding the networking base of the organisation - this in turn impacts on professional development
- Developing relationships with academic institutions - invaluable influence on curriculum development
- Coaching and influencing a young career - interns are embarking on a career
- Developing and exercising supervisory skills - for professionals that mentor interns
- Expanding time and opportunities for special projects - the well-qualified interns serve as a resource to enable projects
- Procuring extra help - possibility of shadowing others
- Engageing in pre-employment screening - can assess the conduct and performance potential of interns
- Exposure to professions - help students make sure about their chosen career
- Internships as experience - it is difficult to secure a job without experience
- Lifelong learning - internships serve as foundation
- Portfolios as proof of qualifications - tangible examples of accomplishments
- Finding a mentor for internship experiences - accomplished professionals
- Networking after internships
Sides CH. & Mrvica A. 2007. Internships, theory and practice. New York: Baywood
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