It’s summer intern time again, which means I have people asking me at least once a week how I seem to always have such an amazing group of interns. Of course, that’s always followed up with, “How do I get one?” A lot of companies think of it as free labor for a semester or perhaps they think “Now I’ll get the stock room organized” – nothing is farther from the truth. No disrespect, but an intern is a lot like a new pet. The way I look at it, if you can take care of a puppy, then perhaps you can have an intern.  That’s because an intern is a person who is entrusting you to mentor them, show them the way and help them decide if they are working towards the right degree for themselves. You are signing up to be trusted and, by the end of the internship, respected, if all goes well.

When I got my first intern 25 years ago I was probably one of those that thought, “Finally the filing will get done and perhaps a few piles on my desk will disappear.” Not even close. Instead I found myself at my desk with this eager eyed individual in front of me just as a new puppy might be, with a look that seemed to be pleading, “Are we going to work, are we, are we, are we?” My first few weeks of internship were time consuming, as I created lists of jobs that needed to be done – a stack of projects ready when the intern came thru the door – along with a stack of “good girl” comments to hand out. I quickly realized that when an intern did a good job and was told, they couldn’t wait to tackle the next project.

If you don’t have time to dedicate to an intern, please don’t get one. An intern needs your devoted attention and the only way they will learn not to piddle in the house or destroy your favorite shoes is to be taught and encouraged. And, yes, interns will make mistakes but it’s important for them to know that YOU MAKE MISTAKES, too. Ultimately, though, becoming responsible for an intern and the job they do instills trust and confidence.

All of our interns have been young women, and before you file that discrimination suit, here’s why. We want to help encourage young women entering the professional world to be able to speak for themselves and be confident when asked to contribute. As it gains confidence, a puppy will venture out on its own more and more – it will come back to you for guidance yet it wants to explore and be noticed. It’s no different with an intern, given projects where they are able to contribute, gain their confidence and present ideas on their own. And you will find that you are just as proud of them as they are of themselves.

Leaving an intern alone to do their work is the ultimate goal and, as difficult as it is, needs to be done. Do not hover or micro manage your intern. Give them air to breathe and the opportunity to succeed or fail on their own. If it is success, celebrate with them and if it’s failure be there to encourage them the next time they try.

An intern can become an important part of your company, while helping them reach their goals can be extremely rewarding. Nothing is better than hearing back from them five, ten or even twenty years down the road, saying thanks for caring and showing me the way – see what I’m doing now – do you see, do you see, do you see?

Connie Hanrahan, owner of Mantooth Marketing Company has had over 80 interns in the last 25 years. Hanrahan was named Mentor of the Year by the Northern Colorado Business Report in 2010 for her dedicated work with interns.