How to Hire and Engage Students In Your Business

Speaker: Krista Groll

In today's dynamic business landscape, one of the most valuable resources is a fresh perspective and a burst of youthful energy. Enter students, the next generation of thinkers and doers.

Whether you run a large corporation or a small startup, incorporating students into your business can yield numerous benefits. In this article, we'll delve into Krista Groll's insightful presentation on how to hire and engage students in your business, a process that can be a win-win for both the students and your organization.

Understanding the Student Perspective

The first thing to recognize when bringing students into your business is their perspective. Students are typically looking for something valuable in return when they pursue an internship or part-time work. They want to know, "What's in it for me?" To effectively engage them, you must craft an experience that is not only beneficial to your business but also meaningful to them.

Creating a Comprehensive Plan

To achieve this, it's essential to develop a comprehensive plan. When you make the internship meaningful, students are more likely to commit and excel. A well-structured plan will involve both recruiting and building relationships with educational institutions.

Recruiting Students

Recruiting students effectively is crucial. You can use various platforms, but Krista emphasized the use of "Handshake," a platform that many universities utilize. This way, students are already familiar with it, making the connection process smoother. Here are some key steps:

1. Create an Account:

• Start by creating an account on Handshake.

2. Fill Out the Survey:

• Complete the survey to provide information about your company and its internship opportunities.

3. Profile Creation:

• Develop a profile for both your company and yourself as an employer. Highlight your trust scores and other relevant information.

4. School Approval:

• Reach out to schools on Handshake to seek approval. This process may take some time as schools will review your information.

5. Acceptance:

• Once a school approves your profile, you'll receive an acceptance. After this, you can post internship opportunities.

6. Posting Internship Opportunities:

• Create clear and engaging job descriptions, making sure to convey what the internship entails, responsibilities, and expectations. Include the company's mission and values.

Building the Relationship

This is where the relationship-building phase begins. This process includes connecting with potential students, setting up interviews, and making sure that the students are a good fit for your organization. Being transparent about what they can expect from the internship is key to building trust.

Feedback Loop and Support

Maintain an open line of communication throughout the internship. Use tools like Google Sheets for tracking progress and performance. An interactive log can help you and the students stay on the same page regarding goals, hours, assignments, and learning objectives.

Rewarding Students

Acknowledge the contributions of students to make them feel valued. Reinforce the idea that their work matters and is an integral part of your organization's success. Consider establishing a feedback mechanism for students to express their concerns and feedback.

Conclusion

Hiring and engaging students in your business can be an enriching experience for both parties involved. Krista Groll's insights and practical advice guide us through the process, emphasizing the importance of creating a meaningful internship or part-time employment opportunity. By utilizing platforms like Handshake and establishing clear communication channels, your business can effectively tap into the next generation's talent and fresh perspective while providing them with valuable learning experiences.

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Q&A

Q1: Can businesses pay students for internships?

Yes, businesses can choose to pay students for internships. Payment can be structured in various ways, such as monthly stipends or hourly wages. Some students may prefer to be compensated based on hours worked as it provides clarity.

Q2: Can high school students also participate in internships through platforms like Handshake?

Yes, high school students can participate in internships, and some high schools are connected to platforms like Handshake. However, it's essential to check with your local high schools and universities to see if they have internship programs in place.

Q3: How can businesses make internships appealing to students who need to be paid for financial

reasons?

To make internships appealing to students who need to be paid for financial reasons, businesses can consider paying a reasonable wage, offer flexible payment schedules, and clearly communicate the benefits and learning opportunities the internship provides. It's essential to meet the financial needs of students while offering valuable experiences.

Q4: How can businesses adapt to the virtual nature of internships for students in an increasingly digital world?

Virtual internships are becoming more common. To adapt to the virtual nature of internships, businesses should utilize online collaboration tools and video conferencing platforms for communication. Setting clear expectations, tracking progress, and providing guidance remotely can ensure a successful virtual internship experience.