Graduate interns are a valuable asset to growing a small business, providing innovation and simplicity to an already existing enterprise, according to Chantal de Kock, project manager at development firm Fetola.
de Kock was speaking today at the Informal Economy Micro Enterprise Summit in Cape Town, South Africa.
Fetola provides an online graduate placement platform matching young unemployed graduates to small businesses, with de Kock saying 48 per cent of graduates with bachelors degrees struggle to get jobs in South Africa.
“Being able to practically apply the theoretical knowledge gained by graduates during their studies can benefit the business,” she said.
She said graduates can help simplify a small business, adding: “Innovation is one of the things that graduates can bring to the party.”
SMEs are always worried about employing additional staff because they are scared of dealing with complaints from the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), she said
De Kock said getting an intern is a safe way to get help in your business, adding the “try before you buy” mentality can help a business.
“The fresh ideas and young intellect really makes a difference.”
According to Fetola, over 40 per cent of the graduates placed through their programme gained employment after their internships.
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