Internship programs serve as a strategic tool for talent acquisition, allowing companies to identify and nurture future employees. There are specific employer benefits of hosting interns, including the opportunity to manage training costs effectively, add personnel during peak periods without the long-term commitment of hiring a full-time employee, and most importantly, the chance to evaluate potential future employees in action. By assessing interns’ performance and fit with the company culture during the internship, employers can make informed hiring decisions. This approach reduces recruitment costs and turnover rates, as employees who were former interns tend to stay with the company longer than non-intern hires.

Adult internships, also known as “returnships,” offer a unique set of benefits for both the interns and the organizations that host them. These programs are tailored for adults who are looking to re-enter the workforce, change careers, or gain new skills in a specific industry.

Advantages for the Organization

• Diverse Perspectives: Adult interns bring a wealth of life experiences and perspectives that can enrich the workplace culture and foster creativity and innovation.
• High Level of Commitment: Adults who choose to participate in internships are often highly motivated and committed to learning and contributing to the organization. Their decision to intern is typically driven by a clear and purposeful career goal.
• Strong Work Ethic: Adult interns, especially those who have prior work experience, are likely to possess a strong work ethic, reliability, and a mature approach to work responsibilities and ethics.
• Broad Skill Set: They often come with a broad set of transferable skills from previous careers or life experiences that can be beneficial in unexpected ways to the organization.
• Potential for Long–Term Contribution: Adult interns represent a pool of potential future employees who, if the internship is successful, could be converted to full-time staff with a shorter onboarding time due to their internship experience.
  
  

Advantages for the Interns

• Career Transition Support: Adult internships provide an opportunity for individuals seeking to change careers to gain relevant industry experience and make their resume more attractive to future employers.
• Networking Opportunities: Internships offer adults the chance to build professional networks in their new chosen field, which can be invaluable in finding future job opportunities.
• Skill Development: They allow individuals to develop new skills or update existing ones, particularly in industries that have undergone significant changes or where technology has advanced rapidly.
• Confidence Building: By successfully taking on new challenges and learning new skills, adult interns can build confidence in their ability to transition into a new career or re-enter the workforce.
• A Foot in the Door: For those looking to enter highly competitive fields, an internship can provide the crucial first step into the industry, offering a practical way to demonstrate their value to potential employers.
  
  

Adult interns represent a cost-effective resource for companies, especially when considering the potential for high returns on investment through innovation, productivity, and recruitment savings. While the internships are paid, the overall cost of an intern, when compared to a full-time employee, is typically lower, especially when considering the long-term benefits of talent development and retention. This is a mutually beneficial arrangement, providing organizations with skilled, motivated, and diverse talent, while offering adults a valuable entry or re-entry point into the workforce.

Organizations can take proactive steps to address their cybersecurity needs by developing these non-traditional internship programs. This involves defining program objectives, engaging stakeholders, creating a structured curriculum, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards. Here are some steps to take if you are interested in setting up this type of program:

1. Define the Program’s Objectives

• Skill Development: Identify the skills and experiences the program aims to provide. This could include industry-specific knowledge, soft skills, or technical proficiencies.
• Workforce Re-entry: Focus on providing opportunities for adults who have been out of the workforce and are looking to return.
• Career Transition: Cater to individuals seeking to change careers and gain experience in a new field.
  
  

2. Structure the Program

• Duration and Flexibility: Adult internships often need to be more flexible than traditional internships to accommodate the participants’ life responsibilities. Consider offering part-time positions or flexible hours.
• Mentorship: Pair interns with experienced mentors who can guide them through their transition, offering advice and support.
• Learning Objectives: Clearly define what the interns will learn during their time with your organization and how it will be achieved.
  
  

3. Recruitment

• Target Audience: Reach out to career changers, parents returning to the workforce, and older adults looking for new opportunities through job fairs, online job boards, and professional networks.
• Selection Criteria: Focus on the candidate’s potential, transferable skills, and willingness to learn, rather than just their direct experience in the field.
  
  

4. Integration with the Team

• Inclusion: Ensure that adult interns are integrated into the team and treated like any other team member to foster a sense of belonging and contribution.
• Project Assignment: Assign meaningful projects that contribute to the organization’s goals and allow interns to demonstrate their capabilities.
  
  

5. Evaluation and Feedback

• Regular Check-ins: Implement a structured feedback process with regular check-ins to discuss progress, challenges, and learning opportunities.
• End-of-Program Review: Conduct a formal review at the end of the program to evaluate the intern’s performance and discuss potential employment opportunities or recommendations for their career path.
  
  

6. Legal and Compensation Considerations

• Compensation: Determine whether the internships will be paid or unpaid, keeping in mind labor laws and regulations regarding internships. Most technology internships are paid, even for traditional college-aged students, so bear that in mind to stay competitive. Paid internships area also more attractive and equitable for adult participants who may have financial responsibilities.
• Contracts and Agreements: Clearly outline the terms of the internship, including duration, expectations, and any compensation or benefits.
  
  

An adult internship program can be a powerful tool for workforce development and talent acquisition. By providing opportunities for adults to gain current experience, develop new skills, and transition into new careers, organizations can not only enhance their social impact but also tap into a pool of motivated, diverse, and skilled individuals ready to contribute to their success. With careful planning and implementation, these programs can offer a win-win solution for adults seeking to re-enter or pivot within the workforce and for companies looking to diversify and strengthen their teams.