At the Wichita Falls Chamber, we’ve re-wired our brains to not equate intern to “student.” In fact, we’re taking a broad, inclusive view at who the word “intern” should include. When you’re looking to start an internship program at your business, think of the following people:
Traditional:
High School Students—Students who are currently enrolled in secondary schools or recent graduates who have not yet began a post-secondary institution or higher education program.
Undergraduate Students—Students who are currently enrolled in a 2 or 4-year post-secondary program
through an accredited higher education institution, to include technical and community colleges or recent graduates who have yet to enter the workforce.
Graduate Students—Students who are currently enrolled in a graduate-level program at an accredited higher education institution or recent graduates who have yet to enter the workforce.
Non-Traditional:
Returning Workforce—Individuals who are re-entering the workforce after a hiatus due to medical concerns, caregiving, living overseas, etc. However, this category can also include adult learners or individuals making a career change.
Active Duty, Veterans, Military Spouses—Typically displaced workers due to the military, this population can include individuals who are planning to separate from service, have recently done so, or their spouses. This is typically a population that is not considered as a recruitment pool for the workforce but has great experience and potential to contribute to an industry. Additionally, there can be national and local incentives to hiring from this population, such as the Department of Defense Skills Bridge.
Another way to think outside the box with interns is to hire them on for a longer amount of time. Usually, when we think of interns, we think of a short three-month “job shadow” type of experience. I’m encouraging you and your business to think long-term. After you keep an intern on for six months, one year, two years or more, they are going to know your business inside and outside. With less training needed during the transition, it’ll be the easiest full-time hire you ever make.
With both the competition and growing need for talented workforce increasing, internships allow for opportunities to recruit and retain individuals in Wichita Falls and the surrounding area. There’s an intern to fit your every need at every level of education and experience. Ready to get started?
Refer to our free Employer Guide below to take you step-by-step through the development process.
[pdfjs-viewer url=”https%3A%2F%2Fwichitafallschamber.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F09%2FTalent-_Partnership_Internship_Guide.pdf” viewer_width=100% viewer_height=800px fullscreen=true download=true print=true]If you have questions, please email Taylor Davis, the Wichita Falls Talent Partnership Director.
1. Apprenticeships – High school students, Undergraduate students, returning workforce, active duty, veterans, military spouses.
2. Returnship – Returning workforce, active duty, veterans, military spouses.
3. Co-Op – Undergraduate students, graduate students
4. Fellowship – returning workforce, graduate students, active duty, veterans, military spouses.
5. Externship – HIgh school students, returning workforce
6. Internship – High school students, undergraduate students, graduate students
