How to Hire an Intern: A Business Owner’s Guide to Finding the Right Fit
I’m an Associate Dean at a Division I state university in Tennessee, and my husband and I have run our business since 2008. I’ve been an intern, supervised interns, and helped clients set up internship programs, so consider this your field-tested playbook for getting a great intern with minimal headaches.
Do You Actually Need an Intern?
If you’re a small or mid-sized business owner, you probably need help but aren’t ready to commit to a part-time or full-time hire. That’s exactly where an intern shines.
Ask yourself:
What projects are piling up but don’t require a seasoned employee?
Could a student help you research, draft, organize, or update assets you never have time for?
Would 10–20 hours a week for a semester move the needle?
Remote is Totally Fine (and normal)
Thanks to the post-COVID world, students are used to remote work. If you work from a home office, that’s okay, just be thoughtful about safety and professionalism. Imagine how you would feel if you heard your child tell you they were going to work at some strangers house for a few hours each week. If you work from home, here are some safe alternatives:
Use Zoom/phone for weekly check-ins.
Meet once or twice a month in a public place (Starbucks, the university, a co-working space).
Keep a shared task list and clear deadlines.
Define the Role Before You Recruit
Make sure you know what you’re looking for:
Goals: What will success look like by semester’s end?
Tasks: 5–8 recurring responsibilities (research, social posts, data cleanup, CRM tagging, SOP documentation, light design, etc.).
Tools/Training: Zoom, Google Drive, Canva, CRM, etc.
Time & Mode: 10–20 hrs/week, remote + 1–2 in-person check-ins.
Supervisor & cadence: Who they report to; weekly/biweekly meetings.
Timing Is Everything
In North America, semesters start in August and January. Students typically register 3–4 months beforehand. Start your outreach early so your role is visible when they build schedules.
Your two fastest routes:
Call the Dean’s assistant in the relevant college (Business, Computer Science, Interior Design, etc.). They’re the gatekeeper and usually know exactly who handles internships.
If there’s a university internship portal, ask for posting instructions and deadlines.
Paid vs. Unpaid (for Credit)
You can offer paid or unpaid-for-credit roles. Many students are happy to earn course credit and it helps with accountability (missing work = risking a grade).
That said, always:
Follow your university’s for-credit internship policies.
Ensure the experience is educational (not just busywork).
Check applicable labor guidelines in your area regarding unpaid internships.
“For credit” rather than paid means that students show up, meet deadlines, and complete reflections/artifacts because a grade is on the line. Win-win!
Who You’re Looking For (Sophomore, Junior, Senior?)
Decide based on your goals:
Sophomore/Junior: Great if you want someone you can develop over 2–4 semesters. They can start for credit and later transition into paid part-time work.
Senior (“test drive” a hire): Perfect if you want to audition a future employee. The semester ends and—if it’s a fit—you can convert them smoothly.
On the internship posting be sure to include your preference: “Minimum standing: Sophomore. Seniors encouraged to apply.”
What to Put in the Posting (Copy/Paste Template)
Below is a sample template you can copy and include your information.
Title: Marketing & Operations Intern (Remote, For Credit)
Schedule: 10–15 hrs/week, Aug–Dec (flexible)
Overview: Support a growing consulting firm with research, content, and systems projects that improve efficiency and client experience.
You’ll Do:
Draft and schedule social media and newsletter content
Light research (market, competitors, tools) and summarize findings
Organize files; document SOPs in Google Docs
CRM cleanup: tags, notes, basic reporting
Join 1–2 client or team calls/month to observe and take notes
You’ll Learn:
Practical marketing workflows, content planning, and analytics basics
CRM hygiene and simple automations
Professional communication and meeting etiquette
Tools: Google Workspace, Zoom, Canva, [your CRM/tool list]
Cadence: Weekly Zoom (30–45 min) + Slack/Email updates
Eligibility: Minimum Sophomore standing; for-credit preferred (university approval required)
How to Apply: Resume + 1 paragraph on why this role interests you + 1 sample (class project, writing, or design).
I’ve seen internships from every angle—student, professor, administrator, and consultant—and I want yours to be smooth and successful.
I’m here to help!
-Dr. Lean (March 2025)
