A recent study by the Federal Reserve of Minneapolis found that Indiana is a "brain bank," drawing students from other states to its excellent educational institutions.
It is great that Indiana is drawing students. But we have a hard time keeping them here after graduation. It is difficult to even keep our own sons and daughters who study at Indiana institutions before moving away to find jobs. As a result, Indiana still has a "brain drain," and that affects us in many ways. Indiana loses many high-paying jobs that provide a stable and growing tax base. Plus losing are best-educated citizens impacts communities and the arts.
Hiring student interns is one way to keep those students "back home" in Indiana. It introduces students to potential local employers and helps integrate students into Indiana communities. Successful internships often lead to job offers. In fact, studies report that 50 percent of interns are eventually hired by the companies they serve!
Hiring students also helps the hiring organization - not just the community as a whole. Even in these tight economic times hiring student interns or part-time employees can provide these benefits:
- Access to state-of-the-art technology knowledge and skills
- Short-term intern commitments and flexible wage options
- Relief of stress and pressure on current employees
- Positive public relations with educational institutions and community
- Bringing a fresh perspective to the company
