Make a business investment: hire a summer intern

The following is an Op-Ed written by Mark Schweiker, President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and Mike Carbone, Metro Philadelphia President of TD Bank, which was published in the Philadelphia Business Journal on June 15, 2009.

Hiring a summer intern is not only a good deed. It is a good business investment.

Put simply, interns are a source of enthusiastic, temporary and inexpensive labor. They boost summer productivity by completing short-term assignments that produce real results for the employers. Especially in today’s economy, interns can provide valuable hands-on help.

And more than ever, Philadelphia young people, who have limited access to such opportunities, need the chance to work in a professional environment and earn a paycheck.

That is why, for the third consecutive year, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Michael Nutter are encouraging regional employers — from large corporations to small businesses — to provide a paid summer internship for a Philadelphia young person.

The cost of a six-week summer internship is $1,600, but the payoff can be incalculable. These interns may become your employees of tomorrow.

That’s how Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) hospital in Juniata Park discovered a valuable employee in Christine Vega. Several years ago when her aunt died of cancer, Christine vowed to work in healthcare after she graduated from Olney High School East. An intern at CTCA last summer, Christine did such a good job that she was offered a permanent position. Today she attends career training classes and works part-time as the Volunteer Office Coordinator, helping to recruit new volunteers and assisting with community projects.

CTCA will employ eight interns this summer, double its commitment last year. Of course, not all businesses can host an intern because of location or logistics. But they can still be involved in this important campaign by donating $1,600 to fund an internship at a Philadelphia nonprofit organization.

We believe an investment in our youth today is also a long-term investment in Greater Philadelphia’s success. Research indicates that kids with work experience are more likely to go on to college, stay in the workforce and move up in our companies. That is why, as stakeholders in the future of this region, it is essential that we connect young people with the professional opportunities that exist beyond their neighborhoods.

Last summer, nearly 200 employers provided 1,500 internships. Reaching that goal again will be harder than ever but this campaign demonstrates that the businesses community is not sitting on sidelines at this critical time. We know that there are 1,500 students — and many more — ready to seize the opportunity.

So far, employers have committed nearly 600 internship positions. Internships are open to Philadelphia students who will enter 11th grade or higher in the fall. All students are pre-screened and interviewed by the prospective employers. These internships are coordinated by WorkReady Philadelphia, which is managed by the Philadelphia Youth Network.

With just weeks to go until the start of the program, we ask you to step up for Philadelphia youth and make a place for them this summer at your company.

Mike Carbone is Metro Philadelphia President of TD Bank, the Chamber’s corporate partner in its summer internships initiative. TD Bank will hire 25 interns this summer.

Mark Schweiker is President & CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

For employers to provide or sponsor an internship, visit greaterphilachamber.com or call 215-790-3732.