Enternships Blog

How To Make Money And Do Good Posted on Friday 16 March 2012 at 09:11AM by trrpaipai

We love business that is mindful of its customers and the world around them, in general. That's why we also love what Charlotte Goldsmith-Lascelles is doing. She is the founder and owner of New Feminine Finance, a career and business coaching service for heart-centred professionals and entrepreneurs, looking to have a positive impact on the world through their work.

Charlotte started her business asking herself how can you make money and do good at the same time? And her answer was...

Apart from the obvious paradox this question implies - if we’re not making money from ‘doing good’, then what are we making money from – doing ‘bad’?, I want to show you how in today’s economy, the belief that it isn't possible to make money and have a positive impact has become an outdated one.

The truth is that, whilst for much of the twentieth century, knowledge (and power) was concentrated in the hands of the few, the reality of today’s socio-economic system is different. People from all walks of life are waking up to the desire to not only improve the quality of their own lives, but also the knowledge of how to seek out the information and expertise that will allow them to do so.

Simultaneously, there has been an explosion of new systems and structures – from the internet and social media, through to information and service-based businesses – which allows for the packaging and selling of valuable information and its distribution all over the world. It is a true ‘new’ economy, of the likes we have never seen before.

If you have a specific need or problem, the chances are that someone, somewhere in the world has figured out an answer, and that there is a way for you to access it.

The Money ‘Hex’

In working with this budding breed of ‘new paradigm’ entrepreneurs – supporting them to package and sell the information and services they have accumulated over the course of their lives and careers, and then build business models to effectively communicate that across the global marketplace – there is one problem that I see time and time again.

It is a threshold across which every successful new entrepreneur must cross, and it relates to their own relationship with money.

It is estimated that the field of information and service-based businesses, is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. From six-figure lifestyle businesses, to Inc 500|5000 companies, there are plenty of entrepreneurs shattering the myth that making money isn’t compatible with doing good.

Yet many of us still carry a wound inside of ourselves that relates to the question of making money. Its origins are varied and complex, but in short, we too often confuse how we feel about ourselves (Am I good enough? Do I deserve?) with an understanding of what it means to offer something of value to another, and receive something in return.

The basis of an economic transaction is a good (and is that not what we call them – goods and services?) We offer a service, or something of value to someone, and we receive remuneration in return. In any relationship there must be a balance or flow, otherwise the relationship breaks down.

So too in a transaction – if it is not balanced and even, then before long it will break down. If you want to be of service in the world and offer what you do, you must be appropriately remunerated for it – otherwise you won’t be able to do it for very long.

Is this you…?

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”- Tolstoy

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur that is struggling financially, I would urge you to look closely at Tolstoy’s quote, and examine at what level – in order for you to really and truly impact the community that you desire to serve – you must first and foremost heal your own relationship with money.

If you are giving something of value, then proper flow can only be established when something is given back in return.

Any other approach does not lead to a full and thriving career helping others – it leads to rapid depletion, and worse than that - it hinders the flow of information exchange on the global marketplace.

Without mastering this issue, people in need will not have access to what they need and want. No relationship can survive on an unequal footing – and nowhere more so than a transaction-based one where the value of the exchange is plain for all to see.

 

If this is you and you would like to find out more about how you can join the ranks of new paradigm entrepreneurs successfully making a living whilst positively impacting the world, please visit www.newfemininefinance.com, or email Charlotte at info@newfemininefinance.com.

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Internships - The Key To Economic Recovery Posted on Monday 05 March 2012 at 11:10AM by trrpaipai

You can’t open a paper, turn on the TV or log-onto the Internet from anywhere in the world and not see that we are facing the worst global economy since World War II, if not ever.  Globally, businesses are shutting their doors and unemployment continues to rise.

Though we hear doom and gloom worldwide some refreshing statistics have begun to emerge.  In the United States, as reported by CNN, the percent of Americans starting businesses in 2010 and 2009 was the highest in 15 years.  Couple that with the U.S. Small Business Administration reporting that small businesses represent 99.7 percent of all US employers and have generated 65 percent of net new jobs over the past 17 years – and you have some idea of the power of entrepreneurs and small businesses in turning the U.S. economy around.

The “Catch-22” facing entrepreneurs and new workers

However, the problem remains, as it has since the dawn of entrepreneurs, “how do you grow if you don’t hire more people?”  But “how can do you bring on more people if you can’t afford to pay them” – the ultimate “Catch-22” in business.

Today’s youth face a similar “Catch-22.”  They are told to go to college because that’s the way to ensure a job, but soon after graduation find themselves unemployed and drowning in college debt because they don’t have any experience.

Consider this:  according to a recently released Pew Research Center Study and data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 54% of young adults aged 18 to 24 are currently employed – the lowest percentage since the government began collecting this data in 1948.

Furthermore, a new report, Student Debt and the Class of 2010, states that two-thirds of college seniors from public and private four-year colleges in the U.S. graduated with loans in 2010, carrying an average of $25,250 in debt, up 63 percent from 2001.

And these statistics – youth unemployment and high college debt are not just a problem in the U.S.  They face many nations across the globe, most notably in the U.K.

As these statistics indicate - with a limited number of jobs available and a high level of unemployment, paired with the limited preparedness of new workers for real jobs, those with more experience quickly grab new jobs coming into the market before the new worker, with no experience, even has a chance.

It is nearly impossible for a new worker to get a job in today’s economy without real world experience in his or her field of study, i.e., an internship.  It is the old adage, “you can’t get a job without any experience, but you can’t get any experience if no one will give you a job.”

Solution:  Hiring Interns

So how can entrepreneurs and small businesses, the economic drivers, help to rebuild the economy - hire interns.  When a small business or entrepreneur starts an internship program to help them grow their business and recruit new employees they in turn can provide much needed on the job training and, through growing their business, jobs.

It’s an opportunity for both parties.  The business owner is able to grow their business without taking on the risk of an employee while the intern gains on the jobs skills and knowledge.  A true solution to the “Catch-22” facing employers and new workers.

Interns + Entrepreneurs = “The Next Facebook”

Let’s look at one famous story that illustrates this point perfectly.  Take Facebook.  Mark Zuckerberg, faced with a great idea and limited resources hired interns to launch Facebook – pretty amazing story.  If you saw the movie, “The Social Network,” you saw how a smart entrepreneur, who had a great idea, but was limited in resources, went out and assembled a team of smart interns to implement that idea with his guidance and leadership.  Through their hard work, together with Mr. Zuckerberg, Facebook is now the most popular site on the Internet.

Am I saying that every entrepreneur or business owner out there who goes out and decides to hire an intern is going to be the next “Facebook?”  Or that every internship will land a new worker a job with the next Facebook (and some handsome stock options)?

No, but could the intern and the entrepreneur, go on to potentially create jobs and rebuild the economy?  The answer is a definite YES!

Could internships be a solution to the economic conditions the world faces?  Could good internships, where the intern is engaged in real work and projects to help build a company or organization actually create more jobs – maybe even allow the intern to create his or her own job?  I believe they can.

 

 

Written by Dreama Lee - Former Intern/Employer of Interns/Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Intern Profits, showing organizations how to find, hire and manage interns to grow their business while providing educational opportunities for tomorrow’s talent today!

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The Only Way Is The Entrepreneurial Way Posted on Monday 06 February 2012 at 13:41PM by trrpaipai

Joe Levi is the founder of studentmoneysaver.com, a website that provides students with tips and advice on how to get the most of their student years on little money. We recently visited him in his cute little office in North London to discuss the ups and downs of life in a startup and here's what we got.

So why did I do it?

The idea for Student Money Saver began when I started Manchester University in 2007. I fast realized that being financially independent for the first time at university was incredibly intimidating. For the first time I had to live on a budget much more limited than I was originally used to, manage my bills AND pay my rent. Following a quick Google search, I found absolutely nothing that provided me with the type of assistance that I would have liked and so, I took matters into my own hands. I didn’t exactly have a big budget so the movement started off with a group of like minded folk who helped me to get the website going.

When people ask why I chose ‘the road less travelled’ and decided to opt for entrepreneurship instead of working 9-5, the only answer that no one can EVER argue with is the fact that my job satisfaction trumps that of any investment banker. Making money is obviously a great contributory factor to any career path but whilst most city workers [however successful] still come beneath someone in the office hierarchy, I get the immense pleasure of being in control of my own destiny. To be fair, I think I always knew I would go down this route when as a child, I opted to sell sweets instead of eating them but it is admittedly, not for everyone.

The downside?

The immense fear associated with taking the risk of starting your own company. There is always that niggling doubt that the world will not understand your vision, however, it is this very same vision that keeps you going on those days when everything seems to go wrong. To be honest, hard times or no, I wouldn’t change my choice for the world. Alongside the bad days are good days and sometimes, there are REALLY good days and there is nothing like the deep sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing that your vision has yielded results.

To all those who agree that ‘the only way is entrepreneurship’, my key advice to you is to remind yourself of your vision – DAILY. You may get disheartened but [without sounding to cheesy] you have to keep your eyes on the price.

Well that’s all for now. My next blog will keep you updated on the goings on  here at Student Money Saver, so join me on my journey: witness my downfalls and rejoice with me in my successes.

Happy Saving!!

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Why Starting A Business While Studying Is A Good Idea Posted on Thursday 02 February 2012 at 12:40PM by trrpaipai

Jacky Yapp is the lead founder of Lunchsparks, a networking platform that allows you to meet with awesome and cool people in Singapore, making great contacts for your career. He founded this platform while he was still in college and now he shares his pearls of wisdom on the why's and do's of such an initiative.

Many people wonder when is it a good time to startup, and when I ask around, usually most of those around me (I am currently based in Singapore and spent a year in Shanghai, grew up in Brunei and Malaysia) would say, to first graduate from college, get a job, earn some money, get some contacts and expand your network, and then you are all set to start building your startup. For me, I think the best time to start is during college/university, which is what I am doing right now.

A little background of myself, I am currently in my final year in the National University of Singapore, and I had the chance to be based in Shanghai for a year last year and when I came back, I gathered my cofounders and we started working on our current startup idea. The beauty of entrepreneurship is that extra step you take out of your comfort zone, that will to do something different with your life, having an impact on the people around you, and that extra courage you need to face the possible criticism and possible failure.

And speaking of failure, what better time there is for one to fail during college and start all over again? We all know that out of 10 startups out there, 9 fails. So if your startup venture failed in university, it is easier to stand back up, and the experiences that you gained is invaluable in making you a better person, and in preparing you for the world. I have been working for 4 months on my current startup right now and I have been meeting a lot of awesome people along the way, who gave me great advices, who pointed me in the correct direction as well as those that criticized my idea, and I loved all of them.

Other than that, you also get to experience things that your peers don’t experience such as negotiating with investors, making hard decisions, team expansions, product marketing or even public speaking to sell your idea. For myself, I experienced 2 interesting incidents whereby I received a warning email from an anonymous who essentially warns me of my startup idea and that it is a knockoff of another similar website, and another incident (well not actually incident) whereby a software engineer saw what we were doing and wanted to join us. He sent in his really impressive resume to me but we were not hiring at that point of time, putting me at the other side of the table during the interview.

Had I not started working on what I am working now, I wouldn’t have had the chance to experience all these if I were to get by my university life as a normal student. So to all aspiring entrepreneurs in college today, if you have that one million dollar idea right now, start doing something about it today! There will never be the exact right date to start founding a company, but if you have to, that day is today. Ideas are worth nothing, for it is the execution that matters.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”              – Steve Jobs

Photo from: http://bit.ly/z1SNbP

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Are You Ready? Bringing Enterprise In Education Posted on Thursday 26 January 2012 at 11:46AM by trrpaipai

Enternships is a big fan of initiatives that bring enterprise and business innovation forward. We love those that involve young people even more and this is precisely what 'Are You Ready?' is all about: a comprehensive programme and campaign to create an urgently needed culture of enterprise in education.

Their approach is to harness ‘enterprise’ as a vehicle for transformation – raising aspirations, developing skills and bringing the community together through schools and colleges to create a more prosperous future. The 'Are you ready?' experience and belief is that young people need to be enterprising, develop an entrepreneurial mindset and have the confidence and ambition to take on the challenges and opportunities of life in the 21st century.

How it all started

It’s been six years since they launched their first enterprise programme and the ‘Ready’ model and ‘Inspire’ enterprise training are now internationally acclaimed. The original project, Rotherham Ready, won the prestigious Enterprising Britain competition for ‘creating a culture of enterprise’ and Rotherham was named the ‘Most Enterprising PlaceinBritain’ 2010 as a result.

The national programme ‘Are You Ready?’ won the StartUp Britain ‘Best Enterprise Support Award’ at the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in 2011. This project received very good feedback from OFSTED too – after HMI spent a week in 2008 looking at how it inspired schools and colleges to give enterprise education a high priority.

This team believes that education has a key role to play in helping young people prepare for the challenges and opportunities of life in the 21st century and that supporting them to be ‘enterprising’ is a key part of their development. Can't argue with that!

How they do it

The 'Ready' target has a bold and unique take: they target young people – from four-years-old right up to young adults of 19 – to ensure a progressive development of enterprise skills, qualities and knowledge. Attitudes and mindsets are formed at an early age, so it is critical that we start developing enterprising skills, qualities and knowledge in the primary years and ensure it progresses through secondary education and beyond.

The idea is to train teachers to develop enterprise through the curriculum and as part of school culture so that enterprise is not seen as a bolt on – it is seen as an approach to teaching and learning and a way of giving relevance and meaning to the curriculum and school life. The ‘Inspire Pioneers’ tour aims to take this acclaimed training programme around the UK, working with teaching practitioners from Early Years to Higher Education.

The campaign

In November 2011 a campaign was launched and HM e-petition to highlight some of the major challenges faced by young people and our society. The campaign and e-petition call on the government to do three things:

1. Make enterprise and entrepreneurship education a key part of all young people’s learning entitlement through the National Curriculum.
2. Make enterprise and entrepreneurship education part of teacher training and development.
3. Make enterprise and entrepreneurship education part of the Ofsted inspection framework.

To find out more, please visit www.areyouready.org.uk/campaign where you can download the briefing paper and also sign the e-petition!

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Breakthrough Initiative Boosts Entrepreneurship in the UK Posted on Friday 13 January 2012 at 13:25PM by trrpaipai

Saving the economy? Driving innovation? Piece of cake! Enternships is proud to announce a new partnership with Santander Group in a new initiative that is bound to bring the best graduate talent to work with the fastest growing SMEs in the UK.

Breakthrough Enternships is part of a larger program which provides investment for fast-growth SMEs and supports local enterprise and community initiatives in order to help create jobs, inspire tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and fuel a private sector-led economy.

The problem: It’s ironic that in the current economic climate employers are struggling to find good people while graduates are expressing concern over their ability to access the jobs they want. The Breakthrough programme’s Enternship initiative addresses these recruitment issues while providing not only valuable experience for the next generation of businesspeople but also fresh recruits for today’s talent-hungry employers.

The solution: Under this programme, Santander seeks to identify and support successful, fast-growth SMEs as they work to break through to the next level. Spanning across four to five years, Breakthrough will make £200 million available for investment in up to 50 businesses that fall under the category of ‘Growth Champions’.

What’s in for the enterns

Enterns can gain valuable first-hand experience by contributing to a business where their drive and education can make a tangible impact. They can also find a route into smaller companies that may not otherwise benefit from a typical graduate recruitment programme, allowing Enterns to work more closely with senior staff. Getting that first break can often make all the difference between landing a promising career and remaining on the shelf, and having the Santander brand on your CV could make all the difference to an employer.

What’s in for the employers

Businesses taking part in the scheme gain access to the valuable skills of an enthusiastic entern who is keen to learn and make a contribution. Santander will fully fund the placements, also handling the associated administration and marketing. In addition, there is also the longer-term benefit that results from matching motivated graduates to businesses looking to fill permanent positions.

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Enternships Case Study: A Financial Story Posted on Monday 12 December 2011 at 12:08PM by trrpaipai

Enock Koola is a former intern at Amoo Venture Capital Advisory, a boutique firm supporting pre- and post-VC technology startups with strategic direction and business development. He has taken the time to answer a few questions, revealing how his enternship lead him to be offered a full-time position in a funky financial firm.

How did you come across Enternships?

I was referred on to the website by a friend. He had used it and thought it would be a good tool to use in search of a summer internship.

What made you decide to do an internship?

I was interested in VC/PE and felt an internship will provide me with insight on how either VC/PE work and whether it was a perfect suit for me.

What are the challenges you’re facing when looking for an internship? What’s the most difficult part?

The most challenging issue is finding the right internship to apply for. There aren’t many internship programs for working in the PE/VC sector.

How did you go about the application? How do you usually prepare your job applications?

I made sure I had done my homework. I researched and studied the company to know more about the role and the company. I kept up with the latest global financial news.  I made a specific CV and Cover letter to the companies I was applying to in order show my understanding of their businesses.

What do you think is the most important part in a job application? What helped you get the internship you applied for?

In my opinion, making yourself aware of the business and role you are applying for and whether it suits you is a very important key step in getting the job. I got the job because I researched the company and the position and I was very passionate about VC which I think came across in the interview.

What are the top 3 things you’re looking for on an employer’s profile/internship listing?/Why did you choose to intern at Amoo?

1. Track Record
2. Early responsibilities
3. Long term goals

I chose to intern at Amoo VC Advisory as I believed it was a great opportunity to learn more about VC, opportunity to work on real live projects and because the company was small, I believed I would get more responsibility and possibly even manage my own project. In addition after my interview and meeting the director and associate, I liked the atmosphere and the long term plans for the company.

What was your role there? What kind of projects did you work on?

I applied for the sales & research analyst role; this involved working on live projects. Some of my key tasks included analysing business plans, building financial models for start-ups and supporting entrepreneurs in their fund raising process. Furthermore I attended several tech events a week and this provided me the opportunity to interact and meet very inspiring entrepreneurs.

Has the enternship helped you get closer to your career goals? If so, how?

My career goal is to one-day start my own fund with an African focus. The internship allowed me to work with smart, creative and innovate people, gave me the opportunity to gain a better understanding of VC and how they work.  I enjoyed working in the VC environment and supporting clients through their different fund raising round. The internship ignited my entrepreneurship spirit and has fuelled my desire to start my own firm.

Was the internship worth it, would you do it all over again if you could go back in time or is there something you would change?

The entire experience was a blessing and I am grateful for that opportunity as I learnt valuable transferable skills. I would definitely do it all over again and again.

What would be your best piece of advice to give other students/graduates looking for internships?

Internships are good as they give you an insight and the opportunity to realise, adjust, and validate your career goals.  Sometimes we are not sure what exactly we want to do and doing an internship allows you to see whether the role suits you and if it is the right lifestyle for you.  Moreover employers nowadays look for graduates with experience so doing an internship gives you a competitive advantage over the other graduates.

What do you think about the work Enternships is doing in helping students finding internships?

I think it is great what Enternships is trying to do; it allows students to discover their entrepreneurship spirit working with small and dynamic businesses. Especially nowadays where unemployment is at an all-time high, we need such platforms like Enternships to help students get internships.

What is your piece of advice for us at Enternships? Is there anything we could improve on to help candidates in their internship seeking?

The website is great but I think the site could do with a better interface. Also there weren’t as many financial roles when I was applying. It will be good if Enternships could get even more mid-cap companies to recruit through their website.

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Start Your Own Business At Zero Cost Posted on Thursday 08 December 2011 at 11:49AM by trrpaipai

Ho ho ho! Christmas is just around the corner and it's a time when we all become more generous. So are the guys at Entrepreneur First, offering young graduates the chance to start their own business and receive all the support throughout their journey. Competition is fierce but with just enough determination and that little extra from Santa you're in for the challenge of your life. Read on and apply!

If you're a recent graduate and you know you can "put a ding in the universe", Entrepreneur First is for you. We take the country's most talented graduates and provide them with the tools, networks and resources they need to launch a high-growth startup.

This is not work experience or an internship; this is starting your own business from the very beginning.

You don't need a team and you don't need a ready-to-launch idea. We'll help you build both. We're looking for determination, passion and raw talent.

What you get:

• A top UK entrepreneur as a mentor
• Cutting-edge training delivered by entrepreneurs and investors
• Access to top-tier angels and venture capitalists
• An extraordinary peer group of other aspiring entrepreneurs
• It's completely free to participate (no cash fee, no equity taken) - but it will be tough, both to get selected and to succeed. If you have what it takes, make sure you apply online before December 31.

*About Entrepreneur First *

Entrepreneur First's mission is to make high-growth entrepreneurship the most exciting career option for top graduates. We provide a programme that supports recent graduates to build startups - from building a team and refining an idea to securing finance to scale up. 

Launched this year, Entrepreneur First is backed by Microsoft, Silicon Valley Bank and McKinsey, as well as some of the UK's top entrepreneurs. We're a not-for-profit funded entirely by sponsorship, so we can offer the programme completely free of charge to the most talented graduates.

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Enternships Q&A: How One Employer Deals With Internships Posted on Monday 05 December 2011 at 11:30AM by trrpaipai

Candidates look out, some really useful advice here! Enternships has paid Amoo Venture a visit to ask founders Nzube Ufodike and Alexey Buditskiy what is their approach on internships.

What are the top 3 qualities you’re looking for in an intern?  Resourcefulness, Commercial awareness, Technology savvy.

What do you look at first in a CV?  Experience and Qualifications.

What would really impress you in an application?  Fantastic grades, language skills and stuff done outside of the normal academic curriculum.

What would be a big mistake in an application?  Poor spelling or grammatical errors.

What’s your advice for interns? What’s your advice for other employers looking to hire an intern?  Manage each other’s expectations from the start.

How do you go through the process of shortlisting candidates?  Three step process. Phone interviews are scheduled. Successful candidates then go on to a face to face panel interview.

Once you’ve chosen your intern, what happens next?  First week is an induction and we quickly ramp up to full BAU and project work by the third week. That said, I have actually been known to ask an intern to shadow a client meeting and summarise a business plan on their first day!

How do you organise the internship? A variety of tasks and projects with weekly check point meetings to track progress and lessons learned.

What’s your advice to other employers regarding internships? It can be pretty challenging managing employees that do not have all the relevant knowledge. Best to quickly asses how much they actually know by throwing them into the deep end. However, only do this if you are able to expect the worst without blowing a fuse.

What happens when the internship is finished?  Exit presentations are delivered by the intern to the rest of the firm, and a one-on-one exit interview conducted where we go through the interns feedback.

Advice for other start-ups?  Hire slowly and fire quickly.

What do you think about Enternships and the work we’re trying to do, in helping all young people to get inspired and achieve success? Lifesaver!

Amoo is a trailblazing boutique firm, supporting pre- and post-VC technology startups with strategic direction and business development. Nzube Ufodike  founded Amoo Venture Capital Advisory in 2009 together with Alexey Buditskiy to support start-ups seeking growth capital. Nzube is an entrepreneur. His professional experience covers entrepreneurship and finance and Alexey co-authored the book “Market Valuation of a Commercial Bank” and has written numerous articles on Finance and Management in leading academic and trade journals.

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Startup Love: Why 2 Interns Are Better Than 1 Posted on Tuesday 29 November 2011 at 12:10PM by trrpaipai

Nigel Biggs who is an Entrepreneur–in-Residence at University of Surrey reminds us of a fundamental truth that most of us forget about: human beings like to stick together. Particularly when facing a challenge, people simply do better when they have someone they can share the experience with. Same goes for interns: having someone who is going through a similar situation makes both of them be more confident and creative which in turn results in a better job for the company.

After I founded my own (techy!) engineering SME I was pretty much against taking on any form of intern. I was sure they would take too much management time for the benefit of having them there. So I didn’t. I knew best after all!

I pretty much still thought the same when I was later acting as COO for a CEO friend of mine. We had 6 people in our team. How could this ever work?

Well, we took on two interns instead of one – and that really solved the problem. What does an intern do that is worthwhile for both them and you? They were two girls from Norway who had not even met each other before the visit. And they had different backgrounds. One was an engineer and one was a management student and they learned a lot from each other during their time together. They were both positive and keen, of course, and we had the idea of making them our international marketing department.

This was quite a few years ago now so we’re talking about an “ordinary” internship here.

That’s the other issue. What does an intern do that is worthwhile for both them and you? In our techy company where at that stage we could hardly spell “Marketing”, whether market research and competitor analysis or market communication, a marketing department was a good choice.

I was responsible for the two of them and they had desks opposite each other in our single open-plan office. The two interns were a team in themselves with a target and the pride and determination to achieve it. I managed them in very much the same way as the other staff. Formal Monday meetings about progress and other news and then a light touch during the week. No great extra work at all.

The fact is that, once the project direction was set, the two girls helped each other through any difficult moments. They also had each other to talk to when everyone else was busy. They were a team in themselves with a target and the pride and determination to achieve it. Fortunately we did have one other female member of staff so they were not isolated in that way either.

I was mainly based in the office (although not every day) so it was easy to interact informally as well. If they ran out of work they just invented more ideas to present to me at the next opportunity. Managing interns is similar to any other staff. No great extra work at all. It worked very well. We found new clients, understood more about competitors and achieved the cleanest prospect list we had ever had.

So my lesson is: Take two enterns if you can! Make them a team. They will enjoy it more, you get more out of it and the management effort is actually reduced. Go for it!

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