Internees

Michael S. · 05-30-06, 09:31 PM

I am going to be creating a graphic and web deisgn website in the near future that will target a variety of audiences, but I will need several writers for tutorials, articles, etc. I was wondering what people feel about net internships that are sololy for experience, do you think that would attract a number of valuable internees, I have advertised it in the past on smaller forums, and received several inquiries, but serveral were from people I would never consider eligable for the posistion.

What do you all feel about internees, and can I easily get people of interest and value?

**Max** · 05-30-06, 09:53 PM

I doubt it. Someone who wants an internship position is usually looking to work with an established and successful company.

Michael S. · 05-31-06, 06:23 AM

I have had serveral people say they would work for the company, because I said that there is a slight chance there might be a pay later, and I will be definitely giving staff bonuses, probablya small bit of hosting, because I think I'm getting 200 GB's of space, so I could toss out some space.

Rogue · 05-31-06, 09:05 AM

Sorry Michael, I'm going to have to jump onto Max's boat. People who want internships want it for the sole purpose of networking, experience, and hopefully, earning a job at the place they intern at.

For that reason, I don't think a lot of people will intern at a start up, unless they see a lot of potential in that. On top of that, a sole internet internship or a website company with no established office will turn them off.

Personally, I would never intern at a non-reputable company, or a new one. Start ups are a possibility, but never anything that is unestablished.

The internet is filled with freelancers, etc. and for that reason, anyone "interning" for free will feel as if they are being cheated out of money. Interns in real life trade the money potential in for the connections they make at work that will eventually take them further in life.

Super Mod · 05-31-06, 09:37 AM

I agree with Max and everyone else. There are two reasons why you get an internship: (1) the work experience and (2) the networking of people. I think doing an online internship only really allows for the work experience and not really for the networking side of things. However, you may in fact get to know some people through the work. I just don't think we're there yet.

Michael S. · 05-31-06, 03:16 PM

Yes,I understand what you guys are saying, and I do agree with you, but I need to find a way to try to get free help when my site starts up as I will be needing articles, etc. and it would be better to get a few people dedicated to doing it, instead of having people post random articles, that may be spam.

Do you think I can attract youngsters (aged 14-17) who would be interested in free hosting space, and just say that there is a possiblity of pay down the road?

Maybe I could call it an internship so if the site does gain a lot of traffic, and it will have the potential, so I could say they could try and put it on a resume, for a summer job. Many summer and part time jobs for high school students seem to find interest in hobbies and sports, I guess because they know if you have a hobby, then you don't take part in bad habits (ie. drugs, smoking, and alcohol).

I really need input on how I should advertise this because my brother and myself are going to need a lot of help to get this site up and running. I know I can get a few people, but I need to find the best way to attract the most people.

wahpah · 05-31-06, 05:38 PM

I don't think it's a good idea, but you should try anyways. My best advice is to find a friend who's willing to do it for free. These types of jobs are being offered for pay over the net everywhere. The chances of you finding someone who is willing to do it for free is just about next to none.
I think your best bet to finding an intern is to do it person to person. Ask around. Ask your co-workers at home, or classmates in school (if you're in school), your boss (if you're close with him/her), your family members. As them if they know anyone who's looking for internship in that field. I know that a lot of high schools have internship programs. I, having been in one when I was in high school, know that a lot of companies go to high schools looking for interns. Actually, now that I think about it, that's probably your best bet. But it's also a pain to have an intern with a high school (you know, paperwork and such).
Good luck.

Michael S. · 05-31-06, 07:09 PM

Thanks, and yes some people will do it for free, I was just thinking that if I called it an internship, that it might interest more people, and then people will take the job if I pay them hosting. I will just have to consider my options, and see if I can afford hosting and how much, and if I can possibly afford to pay people of higher posistions later on. It would be hard to make it an official "internship" as I myself am only in highschool, I just really need to look at what conditions I can deal with, and what my alternatives are if that fails.

wahpah · 06-01-06, 03:17 PM

Oh. Well, in that case, you can't really officially make it an internship. You'll need to register with the government and do all this legal stuff before a high school will allow you, I think. I just remember there was a lot of paper work involved. Or something like that.
Anyways, I still strongly suggest you start out with friends. They'll most likely help you out at the beginning for free. Again, there are millions out there who will offer money for this, so the chances of you finding someone to do it for free over the net is pretty slim. But it can't hurt to try.

Michael S. · 06-01-06, 03:28 PM

Alright, thanks. Yea, I know I couldn't officially make an internship, but thought I could advertise that it was alike one to try to attract people. I'm sure I can get people for free, I just have to state that they will have the chance to be paid eventually. Thanks for all of your help and advice guys.