Survey Finds Interns Aid DC-Area Businesses and Nonprofits in Prepping for Economic Recovery

The Washington Center’s Interns Bring Benefits to Local Organizations

WASHINGTON, Dec. 8 -- Businesses and nonprofits are utilizing interns to create a pipeline of potential employees, according to a new poll from The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC), which surveyed nearly 400 local organizations. The findings also show that obtaining an internship is a critical success factor for the emerging workforce, as 96 percent of organizations polled said they're "more likely to hire a recent college grad with internship experience."

"Interns are an integral part of our news bureau here in Washington," said Lori Montenegro, a correspondent at Telemundo in DC. "They come to us with such vision and energy, taking initiative to make contributions that enhance news coverage for our network and its affiliates. Additionally, interns are open-minded and flexible, enabling us to train them to work on a variety of assignments."

Montenegro also cited the benefits of working with people recently involved in an academic environment, who possess cutting-edge skills that allow them to work with current employees to create extraordinary ideas.
"There is no question the economic recession has affected the bottom-line for businesses in the nation's capital," said Mike Smith, president of The Washington Center. "Our partners at colleges and universities throughout the U.S. send us the best and brightest students who are eager to learn and gain experience in their chosen fields, which benefits all parties. Businesses get skilled candidates, and students get the experience they need to standout in a difficult job market."

The survey provided other noteworthy data about the benefits of using interns:

• Of those polled, 89 percent view the hiring of interns as a way to invest in the organization;
• Eighty-two percent said The Washington Center brings them a pool of qualified potential new hires;
• Ninety-three percent feel an intern's willingness to become immersed in his/her work is a great advantage to an organization;
• When it comes to hiring an intern or alum from The Washington Center, 84 percent said they would if a position was open; and
• Nine out of ten would recommend The Washington Center to other organizations.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online of 376 organizations that partner with and host interns from The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. Surveys were given to the main point of contact within each organization. A response rate of 26 percent was reported. The survey was conducted between September 25 and October 9, 2009.

ABOUT THE WASHINGTON CENTER
 
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars is an independent, nonprofit organization that serves hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States and other countries by providing selected students challenging opportunities to work and learn in Washington, D.C. for academic credit. The largest program of its kind, The Washington Center has close to 40,000 alumni who have become leaders in numerous professions and nations around the world. It was established in 1975. For more information on The Washington Center, visit: www.twc.edu.

GALA 2009 Pictures

Dates & Deadlines

Early Deadlines begin for Summer 2011 Term, Quarter and Postgraduate Programs on September 27, 2010.

Regular Deadline for Spring 2011 D.C. Semester & Postgraduate Programs is November 12, 2010.

Regular Deadline for Spring 2011 D.C. Quarter Program is January 15, 2011.

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