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Updated: February 10, 2025 Ask ACE

Ask ACE: What about hiring interns to solve some staffing shortages?

By Francis Eberle, Price Associates

Q: What about hiring interns to solve some staffing shortages?

ACE advises: Hiring skilled workers is a growing challenge for Maine businesses, making workforce development a key priority. Internships can provide a pipeline for future talent while offering an affordable way to tackle projects. As Emma Wilson, talent programs manager at the University of Maine’s Innovate for Maine fellows program, notes, “Interns are an opportunity to develop a pool of skilled talent. Even if you cannot offer permanent employment, you can provide valuable experience to help them on their career path.”

Successful internships require thoughtful planning, clear goals and meaningful mentorship. You will need to provide:

  • Clear job descriptions with measurable goals
  • A mentor
  • An encouraging place to voice ideas and concerns
  • Opportunities to work with peers and mentors
  • Training
  • Access to the same resources as regular employees

“Our summer internship program works with employers to define job descriptions and project objectives, ensuring expectations are met,” says Wilson. “We also recruit and hire the students, provide supervision, guidance, and prepare interns through a 4-day bootcamp.”

Establishing an internship offers your business an opportunity to align your workforce strategy with broader organizational goals. For example, if an early-stage business approaches an internship thoughtfully, it will have learned valuable lessons in recruitment, retention and company culture when it is ready to scale.

Unsurprisingly, paid internships are especially effective in attracting diverse candidates and enhancing your organization’s reputation. For businesses with budget concerns, institution-based programs like Innovate for Maine offer a solution. Interns are paid by the University with Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan funding at no cost for eligible Maine companies, providing affordable project support for startups aiming to grow but not yet ready to hire full-time employees.

Hiring an intern can address immediate business needs while providing valuable experience. With thoughtful planning, internships can be a win-win for both businesses and future talent.

ACE board member Francis Eberle of Price Associates is a leadership and organizational advisor, speaker and author. francis@price-associates.com.

About ACE

The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a nonprofit association of independent consultants who value “success through collaboration.” The public is welcome to attend its regular meetings to share best practices and engage with industry experts. For more information go to www.consultexpertise.com.

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