James asked if he should split his intern program in three in the following blog post:
http://www.jamesbrausch.com/wp-trackback.php?p=587
The short answer: No, not in my opinion. The longer answer, if you keep the existing one, and then also offer the three separate internships, it would be ok. I don’t understand how the split will help you from being ripped off. Would the same people still sign up for each of the three and then rip you off anyway? I mean, if that’s their intent, that is what they will do.
Would it be beneficial for others to have it split into three? Probably. Like you said, if you have a professional copywriter as an intern, that person might really enjoy having the ability to choose which programs to join. However, the 98%ers or those trying to leave the 98% croud may or may not yet have the inner strength to avoid skipping an intern program that he/she may really need.
If someone “thinks” that they are a great copywriter, but really they are only mediocre, they would really benefit from the copywriting aspects of your internship. But, sine they think they are great, they might just skip it. By having it all in one as it is today, you force them through each aspect. I would bet that many have “ah ha” moments even when they are performing a task where they “think” they are already great.
April 17, 2007 at 8:54 am
First, I think splitting up the areas of production will increase completion by interns. In my case, I know that it would.
As one who started, but have not finished the intern program, there are some parts of the post on the JB blog that didn’t address my situation.
Assignments were issued that I simply was unclear about what was to be done. Worse, there didn’t seem to be any way to get clarification. If I ever received any contact information to ask questions, I sure couldn’t find it.
There will be those who don’t complete the assignments, and the reasons may be perfectly legitimate. To assume that people drop out because they don’t keep their word is to say that no other reason doesn’t exist. Sounds kind of arrogant to me.
If the intern program is a contract, then both sides must be able to communicate.
Split it up, open a channel for communication in both directions, and I think there will be a substantial benefit to both sides of the deal.