Three great experiences and just one disappointment would have to be pretty good odds. In fact, good enough to try the process again. This time, I have relocated to South Carolina . Through a unique series of events, I have created an international business magazine around the “Theory of Constraints” by Eliyahu M. Goldratt. He is best known for his best selling business novel “The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement.” One of my first actions was to start calling local colleges and universities in search of interns in journalism. Another long story shortened: I am unsuccessful in locating an intern. The premier issue with 64 full color pages on nice glossy stock makes its entrance. Nobody notices. Second issue available on not so glossy stock. Third issue available only on CD-ROM. The moral of the story: I should not have proceeded without an intern.

Conclusion

If you aspire to be a member of the Inc. 500 or the Fortune 500 or one of the Forbes Richest 400, hire an intern! Perhaps you are in college today: become an intern! Sign up for the internship process with enthusiasm. It is not simply a way for employers to take advantage of your skills for a reduced fee (or in many cases for free!). It is a way to learn how to apply the basics of your profession to solving real life problems. It is the last step of your formal education at that moment.

For me, education is a cradle to grave adventure. The internship is a process of proving your worth to yourself and others. Take advantage. As Apple says, “Think Different.”

Jeff ‘SKI' Kinsey is CEO of eDivision.net LLC and founder and Publisher of TOCreview. He credits the U.S. Marine Corps for his sense of discipline and Kent State University TusCampus for his keen appreciation for higher education. Today, SKI mentors start-ups as an eCommerce consultant. As one might imagine, among his bullet points to would be members of the Inc. 500: hire a great intern!

He loves feedback and promises to respond to those writing him at TOCeview@aol.com .

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