Internships create valuable employees through multiple facets. Educational training with hands-on experience alongside exposure to real-life circumstances possess a value that cannot be measured.
While an internship provides an avenue for professional growth, it must be partnered with a candidate who takes full advantage of the opportunity for the optimal outcome. An internship program needs to be focused and well planned so that it can be implemented in the most successful and purpose-driven manner.
There are plenty of options when it comes to internships.
The intern candidate may or may not receive monetary compensation for completion of an internship program. Training is the primary focus of an internship, not necessarily employment. However, the opportunity for employment may exist. It is important for the candidate to consider the program’s duration of time, skills and experience to be acquired, and employee benefits prior to applying for an internship.
Recent college graduates may be a great fit for an internship. While they have earned a degree, they may not have the experience that sets them apart from a group of qualified applicants. Internships allow the candidate to acquire training and experience congruently.
Internal option
An internal internship gives a current employee the opportunity to expand their knowledge base and apply their experience within the company. It gives them the ability to branch out and the employer the opportunity to see their full set of skills.
Employers already have firsthand work experience with the candidate, which can help ensure the intern is a suitable fit for the program. The provision of support by the employer to the internal candidate can be extremely motivating in driving success.
As a recent graduate from an internal internship at Bear State Bank, I felt encouraged by my employer’s support. Knowing that my company was willing to invest time, money and effort invigorated each day of the internship. During the term of my internship, I gained and developed skills pertinent to my personal and professional growth goals.
Each day it was innately rewarding to be learning and applying skills that were part of my goals and passions. The acquisition of applicable, hands-on experience distinguished me from others.
While the process is internal, that doesn’t mean it’s easier or guaranteed.
The application consisted of three precise, thought-provoking questions and a self-assessment. Upon making it through the application and screening process, I was selected to be one of three applicants interviewed. The panel interview consisted of members serving on a bank committee dedicated to building growth by professional betterment.
Real-world outcomes
Upon selection by the panel, I graciously accepted to complete the internship program. The expectations were to complete online curriculums, create and complete a community service project, attend company administrative meetings and participate in local university initiatives, alongside rotating through all the facets and departments offered by a full-service financial institution.
The intern gets the experience and the employers gets a needed set of hands.
Rotating in areas out of my expertise, allowed me to be vulnerable. I was not afraid to ask questions because I was not expected to be the expert in the room. I found that my co-workers reacted to me with openness, creating the optimal environment that supported my growth as a well-rounded professional.
As a result of my internship, today I am the branch coordinator for Bear State Bank on East Battlefield Road. This opportunity was afforded to me as a direct result of my dedication and the company’s commitment to our internship program.
Internship programs can be extremely beneficial and an incredible opportunity for both the intern and the company.
Kelly Warren is an assistant vice president and branch coordinator for Bear State Bank. She can be reached at kwarren@bearstatebank.com.
