Internships: get important projects done without a permanent hire

Internships are a flexible way to tackle work your team may not have time or skills for (without committing to a permanent hire). Or if you just need extra support during busy periods.

Below are examples of projects that added real value, delivered by students or graduates for SMEs. Not all will be applicable, but there is plenty of scope whatever your need. And as you can see, these are some significant pieces of work.

• Mapping out a new territory for business development;
• Sustainability audit, with recommendations for action;
• Analysis of sales figures to identify patterns;
• Setting up or improving social media channels;
• Collating business processes and procedures into a manual;
• Brightening up a website to make it easier and more attractive to view;
• Planning a marketing campaign;
• Cleansing a database of customers;
• Translation of copy for overseas markets;
• Research into new global markets;
• Graphic design of branding;
• Help with specialist work (finance, HR, design, etc);
• Photographing product lines for promotional materials and website;
• Organising and helping with an event;
• Setting up and handling an email marketing campaign.

It’s important to find the right person, as these projects can be highly valuable. A lot of work goes into doing this, you can read more about that in this blog

You have the option of undergraduates, who have not completed their degree yet; but these are limited in the time of year, and length (usually around May-June for 3 months or so, depending on when they finish and start terms). Or graduate internships, for those who have finished their degree, can be at any time of the year, and for a longer-length if you prefer. .

In addition to the main purpose of completing a project, undergraduate internships can be a useful way to develop a talent pipeline (as can sandwich placements). Graduate internships can also be used as a taster, if you are not 100% sure there is scope for a permanent position.

To get the maximum benefit, I find that at least 3 months is ideal; it can also be longer, say 6 months to a year. For graduates, you then have the option of extending the internship, or taking them on permanently should there be scope. Or you can leave it at the term of the internship if you prefer.

My cost for finding you someone is £2,000+VAT (plus another £1,000+VAT if it becomes permanent after). Then you will employ the student or graduate directly through your payroll for the term of the internship .

Please let me know if you would like to hear more.

Matthew Parry, Director and specialist graduate recruiter

Tel. 0370 774 9500

Email: matthew@sme-graduates.co.uk