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In a economic society where businesses constantly strive to be at the top of their game and experience seems to be one of the all important factors in deciding who is worthy and who is not, it may seem puzzling that anyone would dare to offer an internship position. In actuality though, internships not only make sense for the intern, they are a financially sound decision for the corporation as well. In this post, we briefly discus the reasons for this statement.

Cost effective - Like it or not, the business world works on a system of checks and balances. We spend money on research and development and we get a more valuable product that makes us more money. By offering internships, corporations are making an investment in their future. They are spending their money to train the intern and develop a sense of loyalty to their corporation with the gamble that the intern may or may not produce the result they want to see. Because they are assuming this risk, they often offer a lowered pay rate or even unpaid internships which allows them to cover the odds for those who will not meet their expectations. By spending the money to train and develop an intern, they save money they would have to pay hiring higher level executives and employees away from competitors.

Loyalty - If some one does something nice for you, what is your typical response? Most of us say thank you or even try to return the favor. Corporations who offer internships are counting on that facet of our personalities. By offering us a start when others have turned us away, corporations have given us a helping hand. They know not everyone will return the favor with continued loyalty to their corporation but they bank on the larger number of interns doing so.

Public Image - As the popular saying goes, Image is everything. Corporations know this as well and if they can make themselves look good in the eyes of John Q. Public, they are going to jump at the chance. Offering internships to college students and recent graduates makes the recipient very happy. They are quick to tell their friends, their family, and the rest of the world about their good fortune. Guess who's image just climbed a notch in the publics eyes? If the internship offered is in support of a common cause, it is that much better.

These are just a few of the reasons corporations offer internships. By understanding why they make these internship offers, you can place yourself more strategically to be on the receiving end.