Such an evaluation can prevent the spending of thousands of dollars to hire and train a worker, only to discover that the employee isn't a good fit for the company, career counselors and employers say. What's more, the schools usually go through a screening process to ensure students match the requirements of the jobs. The problem, say business consultants and others, is that many small business owners are unaware of the potential benefits of using student help. Local colleges and universities say they are eager to work with interested businesses in setting up new internships. A phone call usually can start the process.
Most schools have internships.
The schools say they value such programs because of the job experience the students receive. But internships, the schools emphasize, aren't simply free-labor programs. Students must learn while on the job and get sufficient mentoring, the schools say. Students typically earn course credits for their internships, and in some programs even earn a salary. In computer-related jobs, for instance, students can make more than the minimum wage.