Tips for hosting an intern.

An internship is a meaningful work or service learning experience in which a student has intentional learning goals and is carefully monitored to enhance a positive learning environment--the keyword here being "meaningful." As you prepare to host summer interns, we would like to share five tips from students and university career service professionals to create success in your internship program.

AgCareers.com recently surveyed 166 interns and asked how an internship is beneficial to their career development (Chart 1.) Results show that students are looking for practical, real-life work experience.

There are a number of advantages to an internship program for the employer such as: a proven, cost-effective way to recruit and evaluate potential employees; a resource for fresh and innovative ideas; and an economical workforce that frees up full time staff. However, if an internship program is not handled properly it can impede an organization's ability to recruit for years.

FOUR TIPS FOR SUCCESS:

1. Be Prepared--Prior to student arrivals, be sure to have workspace and the necessary tools/equipment for them to complete the daily tasks of their job. Also, arrange other commitments offered, such as housing or transportation. Interns are taught to make a good first impression, you should too.

2. Meaningful Work--Plan ahead and identify projects that interns can assist with or take sole ownership of. At the end of the internship, ask them to present the results of the projects that they have worked on. Involve senior management and coworkers in the audience.

3. Mentor Relationship--A mentor goes beyond supervision; a mentor gives time, guidance and advice. As a mentor, set clear expectations and goals for your intern. Lead by example and provide immediate feedback, two things that this generation needs to be productive.

4. Reward--Do what you can to reward your students even if you are unable to afford a large salary. Pay for lunches, parking, travel or housing--be creative!

A former intern can be your biggest asset or your worst enemy for future recruiting on campus. Routinely check in with your intern(s) to see how things are going and make necessary adjustments throughout the internship. Complete an exit interview with each intern. This will help you identify areas for improvement and ensure continued success of your internship program.

For more internship information, visit the AgCareers.com Web site at www.AgCareers.com or e-mail [e-mail].

KEYWORD ADVERTISING ON THE WEB

The Web is a great way to target customers who are already potentially interested in your product. Surveys show that most decision makers spend a minimum of two hours a day surfing the Web. There are three distinct ways to ensure you have a Web presence that effectively reflects your organization on the Web: Search Engine Optimization, Keyword Advertising, and Banner Advertising. Today, Farms.com looks at Keyword Advertising.

Internet ad experts estimate that sponsored or keyword based advertising, such as Google Adwords and Yahoo-Overture, are clicked about 15 percent of the time. "This means that a user decides--because your sponsored advertising effectively attracts attention--that the sponsored ad is more helpful than the basic search engine results," says Farms.com Vice President Joe Dales. "You are in complete control with keyword ad campaigns. For example, you can turn the campaign on or off on weekends and control where your campaign is displayed. The other advantage is that you pay only for the traffic that comes to your site, and you can set a maximum number of clicks you are willing to pay for." For more information, visit www.agpromote.com or contact Joe Dales at [e-mail]; 877/438-5729, ext. 5013.

Upcoming AgCareers.com EVENTS

Excellence in Leadership Series June 20, July 18, 2006 Web seminars

Canadian Ag HR Rountable July 11-13, 2006 Olds, Alberta, Cariada

U.S. Ag HR Rountable August 7-9, 2006 St. Louis, MO

Visit www.AgCareers.com for details

HOW IS AN INTERNSHIP BENEFICIAL TO
YOUR CAREER DEVELOPMENT?

Practical Work Experience      28%
Broaden Interpersonal Skills   27%
Networking                     25%
Define Post-Graduate Plans     20%

Note: Table made from bar graph.

AgCareers. com, a member of Farms.com, is the leading online job board and human resource service provider for agri-culture, food, natural resources and biotechnology.