Interns Are Worth More Than Coffee

Here’s a question – why do so many companies treat interns as nothing more than glorified coffee order takers?

Or admin?

Or simply folks to have around in case you need someone junior to shout at?

It’s actually kinda scary to see how many businesses are basically employing interns for nothing more than free labour and then treating them like they don’t even exist.

Why?

Why aren’t you (and I use that term generally) making better use of the skill sets that interns possess?

Why aren’t you treating them like a valuable part of the team, and using the brain power that they possess?

Is it fear they might have a better answer than you? Is it because they don’t have any “in the field” business acumen so their opinion doesn’t mean squat? Is it something else?

Think back to when you first started out. Did you have great ideas but had them closed down by the boss? Did you work your ass off for no recognition or inclusion? Did you wonder why you were even bothering?

So why do the same now that you’re in a position not to?

Imagine the real skill sets you could pass on if you opened up and let your intern be involved in more than just coffee table place-mat setting? Or if you gave them real work to do, that helped them grow and understand the industry you’re in, and the one they so very much want to be a part of.

Imagine how much value could be gained.

We have a wonderful intern called Hailey, who brings an amazing creative flair with her (you should see the design work and copywriting she comes up with). We feel really fortunate to have her on board, and we want to make sure she learns as much as possible, so we include her in client meets, audits, strategy meetings and more.

One of our clients has a great creative intern called Joe, who impressed our client so much that he would happily use one of Joe’s creations to pitch to one of their own clients.

Two kids, basically, who have a lot to offer but would never get to show that if they were just good for coffee runs (or at least viewed that way).

So come on, business owners – let’s agree now that interns are worth more than coffee. Let’s treat them better; educate them better; use their skills and knowledge better; and show that we’re not stuck in the mindset that knowledge only comes with age.

Experience, yes. Knowledge, no. There’s a big difference.

Ready to educate and be educated?

Creative Commons License photo credit: Adam NFK Smith

  • http://www.shownd.com/haileyjane Hailey

    Thanks for the shoutout :)

    It’s awesome to be working for a company who values me for more than just coffee (but hey, if you ever want one, just let me know!)

    I also agree with a lot of what you wrote. It’s really unfair how some interns are treated in the ad industry, and I think a lot of employers quickly forget about how hard it is to break into it and be successful.

    We’re willing to work hard. All we’re really looking for is that chance to prove ourselves.

    Students have a lot to offer. I can’t speak for every student fresh out of college, but it’s no word of a lie when I say I worked my ass off into all hours of the night doing thumbnail concepts, brainstorming, designing, and writing. And in all honesty, being a coffee fetcher would actually be a huge break compared to what most of us are used to. So you’re right. Throw us a lemon, and you’ll probably get lemonade!