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Got....Interns?

After years of working in Retail and HR Management, I don't know why I hadn't thought of this sooner! However the epiphany finally came me as I thought, "How the H*LL am I going to juggle x, y & z as my company grows and expands?"

Tah-dahh (fanfare!) Angles sing, doves fly and the sunlight parts the clouds!

INTERNS!!!

Did you know that your local College, University or even the local JC has dozens of students who need to perform Intern hours in their field of study to earn their degree? Interior Design, engineering, architecture, etc are just a few of the untold treasures to be found by contacting the Career Center or Instructors who teach the classes.

Tight on budget and can't hire additional help at this time? Did you know all you have to do is stipulate that the Internship is a non-paying, but applies to their intern hours and applies to their college credits for the course? Or you can state that a future possition may be available for the right canidate.

You can even stipulate: I want a first year Student for "Staging" projects, but you may also want a 2^nd or 3^rd year Student for Interior Decorating or Design clients.

Just thought I'd share my epiphany with you all, I have to go now: I‘m interviewing my first Intern =)

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Platinum Home Staging, Inc. has been recognized and grown into a tremendous success built on customer service, integrity and best of all, customer referrals. Specializing in Home Staging, Interior Decorating and Model Home Interiors. Serving the greater Los Angeles & Ventura County areas. A home's first impression is the most important one. A home should be inviting and memorable; to stand out among the hundreds of homes that Buyer's may be looking at. Selling a home, is in fact, selling a product. Market the product, "package" it to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. After all, ...How you live in your home, and how you sell your home, are two completely different things. Call us today at (805) 553-9952

Posted by Connie Tebyani, Platinum Home Staging Los Angeles to Santa Barbara on 08/26/2008 03:58 PM

Comments (22)

interns, platinum home staging, home staging los angeles, home staging ventura

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22 Comments on Got....Interns?

AUG

what a great idea. We have some great local colleges here, and I am sure some great students who would love to practice their skills with us, and do a much better job than I would at some of the stuff

Great idea, we had an intern from Johnson and Wales, it worked out great.

Thanks for sharing

I have thought about that for years but never really looked in to how to do it! Thanks for the insight I need the help!!

Connie ~ This is a great idea and one I had myself earlier in the year (great minds, and all that), when I thought my business was picking up and that I would be so busy I could use the help. I also wanted to do it to help the students out and I figured it would be a win-win for both of us. Well, I wound up not being that busy, but I know from your posts that you have the business to work with an intern and I say go for it! I'm hoping to implement interns in the future when I can actually have something for them to do. If you go that route, I hope you'll do a post on how it goes.

Connie, I had also thought of this, I have the University of Arkansas about 2 miles down the road from me. My husband has used college students before in his business, not as interns, but you can post help wanted ads at the university. There are a lot of students that are willing to work, especially if it's in their chosen field. I think this is a great idea and one I'm going to keep in mind for the future.

Connie ~ What a wonderful idea ! As a matter of fact I got a call from someone asking me if they could do an internship with my company. I honestly told her no. I never thought about it. and reading your post makes me realize that it does make sense to have an intern or 2. Thanks for sharing this info with us! :)

I love when " Angles sing, doves fly and the sunlight parts the clouds", it's an amazing thing and your idea is too, good luck & keep us posted

Team Carroll~ LOL, my sentiments exactly!

Rich ~ Thanks for the testimonial!

Darren ~All I did was look on-line and contacted the Department Head of the area I was interested in, in this case being Interior Design Students. He was thrilled, got all of my company information, already had some students in mind that he would talk to, and was posting it for me in the job & career center as well as the Interior Design bulletins.

Kathy ~I will definitely let everyone know how it goes =)

Donna ~ You may need extra help sooner than you think ;-)

Ferndando ~ CALL THEM BACK! The school year has just begun, get the pick of the crop NOW!

Ronelle ~We're visual beings you know (& I couldn't find the right image to post)

AUG

Excellent idea Connie! "payment"could include before and after photos for their hard copy (no internet) portfolios too with the stipulation that work was performed under your company while interning. A short contract could spell that all out. Pictures for some mean more than a dollar sum!

AUG

Karen ~ You're brilliant! My last assistant REALLY just wanted before and after photos for her portfolio of the jobs she had worked on.

I have hired couple interns before. The tricky thing is that they can be flaky and leave you for a paying job. The trick is to make sure they are entertained with options and different types of work. Also tell them what you expect of them and what they should expect to be doing have helped a lot in retaining interns.

AUG

Great thinking. It's a bit more labor intensive for your trouble as you are training as you go, but if you have the time, it's a great way to find your next staging protege'.

I just wrote this blog, Learning by example... inspired by your blog Connie...

AUG

Cindy ~ Yes, I understand about needing to leave for paying jobs. However, when working with their instructor for their class credits while working for you, they also know that the "lack of dedication" will also get back to their teacher. SO they are answering to more than just me.

Terrylynn ~I'm hoping and keeping my fingers crossed. When I was an HR Manager for... can't say, I had upwards of 15 interns on top of my 100+ staff.

Karen ~ I am glad I was able to inspire you. Anytime! ;-)

That is very exciting! I look forward to future posts with updates. Good luck.

HI Connie! I've had two interns in the past and it was a pleasure to have them-hope this works out for you!!

SEP

Tori Lynn ~ I plan on it, we're still working out some of the "kinks" and interviewing a few more

Cathy Lee ~ That sounds GREAT and I hope this works out for us as well (I'm sure it will) ;-)

We are lucky to have a lot of art institutes here in the Chicago area and have taken advantage of the not so free help.

Remember you still need to insure them! Don't even think of hiring a student without checking with your insurance company to make sure they are covered under your Workman's comp carrier.

Just a little advice so you don't lose everything you worked so hard for if they get injured and here comes the lawsuit.

Connie,

You'll love them! They are young, energetic, and educated - How cool is that? You mentor them and in the end they'll teach you a few new tricks of the trade to boot. The best part is that you'll form a long lasting friendship or association with them, which is the best reward.

SEP

What a great idea and one we need to look into in our area! When I was the Publicist for our local Coliseum, I was in charge of the Intern program and got the opportunity to work with some incredible young minds. Also, the creativeness and energy of these students is inspiring. GOOD LUCK!

Funny only yesterday, I hired a delightful young lady for a paid internship. Also feeling a bit overwhelmed with my load, I'm so glad I did it. I'm working harder than ever, because I have to set a good example, and I have a bright, enthusiastic young employee with great energy. Also I feel that by paying her, she'll stick around until she leaves for Parsons next year. It's a win win......

SEP

Brian ~What a great resource for new and fresh talent! And yes, already checked on the insurance, but a great point to business owners which I failed to mention, TY!

Julea ~ Believe it or not, when I had 15+ interns from back in my retail days, to this day I walk into other stores and bump into my "interns" everywhere. One even said, "You were the best Manager EVER" (love that!)

Tracy ~Creative, energetic, fresh perspectives - a virtual cornucopia to partake!

Andy ~You're absolutely correct in saying; as a mentor, you are also setting the example.

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