7 Ways to Get High Quality Work Out of Your Interns

Last week, I received a thank you note out of the blue from our last intern gushing about his great experience of working at our company. At Endlessly Organic, we are blessed to have some of the greatest interns of all time. How do I know this? Because we set up an organization to have amazing interns. This is how we do it.

Step 1: I compliment them until they believe it is so.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am ridiculously positive. If an intern puts together a great report, I tell them I love them and they are the greatest thing since (gluten-free) sliced bread. That may be too extreme for you (or your office may discourage such verbal floweriness), but compliment or thank them NON STOP. If they are of the millennial or gen-y generation, they are looking for approval and appreciation. It motivates them. Trust me. They step it up because they want the next compliment. I don't give compliments if they are undeserved, but I do compliment them 'til the cows come home if they do something right.

Step 2: Be VERY clear about what you want.

When you have a task, don't give general directions. Give specifics. Give time frames. Give examples. Correct gently. They are learning for the first time what it is to work in your organization, and you are learning how to work with them and determining their strengths and abilities. Clarity is king.

Step 3: Set the expectation very high and you will be amazed at what they do.

Give them complicated projects with specific goals (see step 2). As an example, we've had them do extensive research projects, create informational movies for our YouTube channel, write press releases, and spruce up our business plans. In every case, we haven't been disappointed. Meet them where they are, and push them do where they don't know they can go. There is nothing greater than seeing someone complete a task they didn't know they could do before.

Step 4: Make them uncomfortable

We expose interns to all parts of the business - good, bad, fun, and ugly. We want the interns to feel like they can express their ideas, and we've implemented some of their suggestions with fabulous results (You should see our Pinterest Page!). If they are introverts, make them talk to customers or make a video for the company. If they are extroverts, make them do spreadsheets. Expand their weak spots, so that they learn something outside their comfort zones.

Step 5: Get them excited about your mission

Endlessly Organic has a mission to feed Floridians chemical free, USDA organic produce and expose them to a healthy organic lifestyle. We create and participate in wellness events and education throughout Florida, to create a community of healthy, happy individuals. While every intern isn't drinking the pesticide-free/GMO-free Kool-Aid, they either like to cook, eat organic or are interested in food in some capacity.

In your business, whatever it is, get clear on the mission and get them excited about it. Again, it's tapping into their young, innovative energy to help improve what you are already doing. If you don't communicate the mission of the company, you won't get an intern that is excited to be there. I wouldn't know because we don't have those kinds of interns (because all of our interns are AMAZING), but I'm telling you why we don't attract them or hire them.

Step 6: Give them projects that make them marketable to future Employers

It is your job to give them skills. In exchange for their time and effort, give them something that makes them marketable or hire-able either internally or externally. The best internship that I ever had gave me actual samples of work to show to future Employers. I try to do the same. It helps them stick out of the crowd and makes you a more desirable place for future young rock stars.

Step 7: Keep the door open!

You've worked with the intern before. Make sure they love their experience, especially if you've had a great working experience with them. If there is an opening, offer it to them first. Think of the ramp up time you'll save. Also, make sure they can call you for help (if deserved) and give it to them. You never know what your kindness or helpfulness can do.

Go forth. GREAT interns await you. If we haven't gotten them first.