...the Intern Solution

One challenge faced by many companies is the need to locate and attract new employees. Whether looking for a replacement for someone moving on, or to help the company develop in new directions, employers need access to a pool of potential personnel. Trend-setting co-op programs from our local universities and college are one route for finding and "test-driving" new talent; local personnel agencies are another. Internship programs are one more option that may warrant further attention from your company. Internships are a source of bright, enthusiastic hirees; indeed they are a "well-kept secret" solution for making the right match between your company’s needs and a prospective employee.

Career Edge is a national internship program that helps Canadian employers find the high-potential graduates they need to grow and succeed. Career Edge began in 1996 as a private-sector initiative to develop Canada´s next generation of business professionals. Since then, they have arranged almost 5,500 internships at 700 organizations - from major institutions to small businesses.

Career Edge internships are similar to student co-op placements with some unique differences. Career Edge interns are graduates who are ready for career-building responsibilities. Career Edge interns are available at any time, independent of the academic year. The internships run from six to 12 months.

The benefits of Career Edge internships include:

• Convenient access to a dynamic talent pool of more than 15,000 graduates
• The ability to augment your workforce with high-potential people without increasing your corporate head count
• A cost-effective, low-risk way to "test the waters" prior to making a permanent job offer

As an added benefit, interns remain Career Edge employees during their internships, so Career Edge handles payroll and HR administration. Host companies concentrate on the selection process and managing their interns´ workplace responsibilities.

The cost/benefit of internships is also very attractive. Hosting an intern for 12 months costs an organization approximately $22,000. This fee, paid to Career Edge, includes an $18,000 stipend earned by the intern, payroll taxes, health care costs, workers´ compensation and a program delivery fee.

For more information visit www.careeredge.ca, e-mail to info@careeredge.ca or phone 416-955-4263.

Prabhu Hariharan is Manager, Sales & Marketing for Career Edge.