![\"intern-network\"](\"https:\/\/www.corporate-eye.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/intern-network.png\")
The relationship between interns and full-time staff is well known and well documented and there\u2019s a distinct learning relationship that both firms and interns really value during their time in any company.<\/p>\nThe relationship between interns and full-time staff is well known and well documented and there\u2019s a distinct learning relationship that both firms and interns really value during their time in any company.<\/p>\n
For the intern, however, this certainly isn\u2019t the whole story and feedback from interns often shows that the most valuable relationships are those which are formed between the interns themselves. It\u2019s hardly surprising that interns in the same firm get together to share stories, thoughts and the occasional drink, but it is surprising that many firms aren\u2019t always too facilitating to inter-intern interactions.<\/p>\n
Developing Firm-wide Connections
\n<\/b>Though some inter-intern relations are purely social, there\u2019s a very good business case for encouraging quality interactions between young graduates. Normally there isn\u2019t much demand for more than one intern in any department and, thus, when interns mix, they\u2019re able to discuss practice, talk about working culture and share advice from different areas of your business.<\/p>\n
This information is not only invaluable to each individual department in comparing and matching up its progress against others, it\u2019s also great for strengthening inter-departmental relationships. It\u2019s all too easy for new recruits to get comfortable in their own departments, but by interacting from the off with other parts of the business, interns can begin business life as well connected and well aware of the potential of the whole business.<\/p>\n
Connecting Outside of Your Firm<\/b>
\nEqually, not all interns will stay with your firm when graduation time comes and though this isn\u2019t great for your retention figures, it can be a tangible advantage when it comes to actually doing business. If one of your interns graduates and then starts off with ties to other interns who moved into, say, accounts, banking and project management, it\u2019s a connection that\u2019s there to be exploited later.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also worth remembering that most interns can talk a lot and will be more than happy to share their experiences. Providing their time at your company was positive, a good network of connections all over the country can be a great recruitment tool for your department in the future.<\/p>\n
Harnessing Good Relationships<\/b>
\nInteractions between interns are great, but if your business isn\u2019t working to harness them, they might as well not be there. There\u2019s a fine line between stifling any genuine interaction by being too rigid and organising too many compulsory after-hours events and missing the boat all together.<\/p>\n
One very simple way to keep interactions strong is to use social media to great effect. Encourage the use of LinkedIn and highlight the importance of networking and also don\u2019t be afraid to set up (and monitor) a Facebook group for arranging meetings and sharing ideas. It\u2019s simple, it keeps interaction honest and businesslike and, best of all, it\u2019s free!<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re taking on more than one intern this summer, make sure they\u2019re not isolated. Ties that are formed with other interns can last for many years: be sure to use them to your advantage!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The relationship between interns and full-time staff is well known and well documented and there\u2019s a distinct learning relationship that both firms and interns really value during their time in any company. For the intern, however, this certainly isn\u2019t the whole story and feedback from interns often shows that the most valuable relationships are those […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":45688,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[9,25],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-45437","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-best-practices","8":"category-careers","9":"entry"},"yoast_head":"\n