College Students Have a Lot More to Offer Than Beer Pong and Odd Wardrobe Choices

When I ran a university communications shop, I occasionally made presentations at conferences, and one of my most trusted pieces of advice to harried peers at other institutions was to use student interns to conduct interviews, write stories, and take photos. They’re talented, they’re hungry, and they’re inexpensive; what’s not to like? The Nonprofit Supporter has the same idea, pointing out that college students can be of great use throughout the sector:

The use of a year round internship program within your nonprofit organization is a great opportunity to find candidates and test them before placing them into permanent positions. The cost to your nonprofit is low for this type of employee. It is just $10-$13 an hour and no benefits.

Nonprofits or any organization looking for individuals whom have lots of energy, are willing to learn and willing to receive feedback should use interns.

I would add only that because so many people of that age have a social-justice bent to them, the nonprofit world is a great place for them to cut their teeth. Really, the fit is so snug that it’s surprising not more organizations take advantage. | 501(c)