Getting the Most Return on Your Intern

Interns can be one of the best resources for you and your facility. In most cases the interns are eager to learn the business they are about to embark upon. It is an exciting time for them as they begin their journey toward becoming professionals in the field they have chosen for their livelihood.

1. Choose the right fit. There are many colleges and universities offering degrees in Hospitality, Golf Operations, Food and Beverage and Grounds Management. Find a school that offers such programs and contact them about your desire to hire an intern. Be certain the intern you are bringing in is sincere about their desire to become a professional in his or her chosen internship. Talk to their counselors. Discover their GPA and their personality traits.
2. Search nationally. You won’t need to limit yourself to local schools, especially if you can provide housing. Housing is an especially attractive offer for interns. This opens up opportunities from literally any school anywhere.
3. Create a plan for your intern once hired. Be certain to expose them to a variety of areas within the operation. Occasionally we have witnessed an intern who is trained in only one area of the operation, for example only working the bag drop for Golf Operations. The intern is looking for complete exposure to all facets of an operation. When challenged with learning all aspects of the operation, we believe you will receive more productivity from that intern.
4. Have your intern sit in on planning sessions. This allows them to see the inner workings of an operation. Assign the intern to manage or supervise a particular project at the facility.
5. Limit repeat experiences. In our Golf Operations we have a policy that states any one intern may only be employed by us for a maximum of two seasons. This means the intern will be exposed to other types of facilities and thus broaden their experiences.  

Remember, while they are working for you and your department, it is still your responsibility to train them in the profession they are entering into. All the best to you and your operations in the coming season!

Chad is the head PGA golf professional at Westfield Group Country Club, and has been a golf professional since 1979. He was elected to PGA membership in 1983 and accepted the position at Westfield Group Country Club in June of 1985.