Employer FAQ

What is an internship?

An Internship is a method for companies to take on extra staff in the form of undergraduates students for a period of time free of charge. An internship placement is mutually beneficial in that it brings enthusiastic young staff to companies at no extra cost while the interns gain invaluable work experience, which is an essential part of their educational requirements.

 

How will taking on an Intern benefit my company?
All of the interns provided by Intern Options Ireland are at the latter stages of their qualifications and have acquired skills and knowledge, making them an asset to your business. Benefits include;

 

• Current employees can develop their management skills through the mentoring of an intern
• Interns can undertake projects for which no-one else has the time within the company
• As many interns will have international language skills, they can help develop export markets through the use of these language skills
• Interns provide a company with a cost-effective solution to short term staffing, with no long-term employer commitment
• All of our interns are Enthusiastic, highly educated, hard working and they come with a great willingness to contribute to the success of their host company.
• Hosting an intern is flexible, convenient and very cost effective
  

Are interns paid?

Host Companies are not obliged to pay interns. In the past some companies have made contributions to their interns. However, this is at the discretion of the host companies and is between them and the intern.

 

How long is an internship?

Intern Options Ireland’s programmes are from four weeks to six months in length. The programmes run throughout the whole year and have various starting dates.

How many hours per week is an intern required to work?

Interns are expected to work a full working week of 40 hours. We generally recommend that they adopt a 9 am – 5 am timetable. However, the nature of some companies requires different working timetables; this can be arranged on a case to case basis. The Interns are not expected to work weekends or to exceed 40 hours of work a week.

What if we are not happy with our intern?

Host companies are not expected to maintain a relationship with an intern that is not working out for them. If the relationship is not working out, the internship can be terminated without any penalties or consequences. However, we always encourage both parties to try and resolve their differences with a view to completing the internship successfully. Failing that we will do our best to find a replacement promptly.

 

Is it possible to interview an intern before accepting them?

Interns coming to Ireland will only finalise their placement one they have secured a job. As such, the most commonly used method of interview is by phone. This gives the host company the opportunity to talk to the intern before arrival, and where necessary verify their level of English.

 

Will we be charged for the service?

Intern Options Ireland do not charge host companies for the placement of interns. It is important for us to find the right companies for our interns so that their experience can be of utmost value to them.

 

How many interns can our company take?

This depends on the nationality of the interns in question. As some of our interns come to improve their English, it is a policy of Intern Options Ireland that only one intern may work in a particular host company. However, if the internship is not concerned with language then there are no limits to the number of interns a host company may take on. It is very important that all interns have clearly defined assignments and they add value to your business whilst increasing their level of business experience.

 

What kind of support does Intern options Ireland provide to host organisations?

We are available throughout the entire duration of the internship to provide you with assistance and advice to facilitate a prosperous and beneficial experience. Our staff are on hand to deal with any issues that may arise during the internship. We also offer advice in all aspects of intern preparation, management and training where required.

 

How are interns selected for an organisation?

All of our candidates are interviewed and vetted prior to being accepted on one of our programs. We then find a host organisation that is best suited to the needs of the intern’s particular studies or area of interest.

 

What are the obligations of host organisation?

Intern Options Ireland recommends that a supervisor or mentor be allocated for the intern(s), who will take the time to explain what is expected of him/her during their internship. We also request that the intern(s) be given a full orientation, outlining all safety procedures and protocol of the work place. We request that the intern be treated in the same manner as a company would treat any of its employees.

 

How do I apply for an intern to work at my company?

Simply contact Intern Options Ireland and we will fill you in everything you need.