You might think you’re too small to have an intern. You desperately need some kind of help, and you'd love to pass on the knowledge someone once passed on to you - but you're convinced you're not "big enough" to take one on.

Let us stop you right there. You're not too small. You're exactly the right size.

From our experience working with the University of Findlay, we’ve learned that interns aren’t looking for a corner office or a shiny handbook. They want to learn. They want to try. They want someone to believe in them. The interns we’ve had have been open-minded, eager to learn, and willing to jump in on just about anything - and with 30 years of experience under our belt, we had plenty to share.

And the feedback? It’s been awesome. Our interns have said they felt supported, challenged, and welcomed, which is all we could ask for. It’s not always easy in this area, competing with the local petroleum giant (Hi, Marathon!) or the bigger marketing firm that has a structured internship program and a plaque in the University (Looking at you, AR Marketing). But surprisingly (or perhaps not), many of our interns have enjoyed the more laid-back, close-knit atmosphere we provide.

Sure, we’re a small team, but we work with businesses of all shapes and sizes, from brand-new startups to established nonprofits. Interns get to see the ins and outs of the creative process, experience real client relationships, witness companies grow, and witness the rewarding impact of nonprofit work. It’s a crash course in what real marketing looks like - not just textbook theory.

You don’t need a fancy program. You just need to be willing to take a little extra time to teach, train, and check their work. The more you guide them, the more you can trust them. The more you trust them, the more you can hand off work that’s been sitting on your to-do list since last October.

Remember: the best way to learn is by doing. And just because they took a class in something doesn’t mean they fully get it, especially when it comes to platform-specific skills like running Facebook ads or navigating Instagram’s ever-changing interface. Higher education doesn’t always delve deeply into that subject matter. So if you’re choosing your intern based on interest, curiosity, and willingness to learn, you’ll be just fine.

You’re not just hiring help. You are shaping future professionals in your industry. Think back to the things you wish you had known at their age. Teach that. Be the mentor you needed.

And yes, send them out for coffee runs if you need to. But don’t only send them out for coffee runs. Check in with them often. Are they happy? Are they learning what they hoped to? Do they want more? Need something different? Today’s students are sharp, thoughtful, and surprisingly self-aware. They’ll tell you, you just have to ask.

Also, and we say this with love, let them do your social media. They grew up with it in their faces 24/7. They know what’s trending, what’s cringe, and what flies. Give them the reins and let them pitch content. You might be surprised at how good they are.

So no, you’re not too small. You’re exactly the kind of business an intern can grow in, and just maybe, help grow with.

Size Doesn’t Matter (When It Comes to Hiring Interns)

April showers really do bring May flowers… and websites!