Do you have interns? If your answer is no, then you are missing out on a great resource. Internships are both paid and unpaid. During the academic year it is easier to obtain unpaid interns than during the summer. So start now.

Advertise on Craigslist.com - it’s free. Send notices to the local high schools, colleges and universities in your area.

Treat interns like employees. Provide them the training and support you would for all employees. Do not call them interns to the outside world. If you do you are devaluing their worth to you.

Value the intern employee and you get value from them. Let the interns feel that they are contributing to your organization. Be open to hear their view of your organization and be willing to be challenged by them asking questions.

If when asked why something is done in any particular way, your response is, “we have always done it this way”, STOP: you need to rethink why.

When an intern leaves, make sure you debrief them and learn their likes and dislikes of working at your organization.

Ask how they would suggest the internship be made better.

Remember, interns are future employees, future business leaders and future potential givers. Their impression of your organization will carry with them for years.