When we talk with scholarship holders about their fears and doubts related to the internship, one of the questions that we often hear is – why would a company take an intern in the first place? Even if they decide to do so – why would they choose to host an intern from abroad?
The interns are not the only party that benefits from the Programme. Let’s look at the reasons why companies might decide to join our Programme:
1. If your company fosters an international environment
For the companies that already have a developed fellowship programme, participation in the Internship Programme of German Business might be the chance to connect with the Balkans. Many companies that have interns from around the world used this opportunity. All of them reported that our interns quickly adapted to their working environment and contributed to the international spirit of their teams and departments.
2. If your company is taking an intern from abroad for the first time
The Programme also welcomes those companies that are taking the interns from abroad for the first time. The project team of the Internship Programme of German Business takes care of the administrative aspects of the internship in your company, such as: reviewing of applications, matchmaking of your company needs with suitable candidates, and the organization of visa, working permit and health insurance of the interns.
However, companies should prepare an internship curriculum beforehand. They should think of the tasks that could be given to a new intern and the projects they would like to include them in.
To read more about possible benefits for your company and services by the Programme, click here.
3. If your company works in the Balkans regularly
If the company is doing business in the region regularly, they might benefit from someone having a local perspective and knowing the language. People that are able to connect two different business environments and cultures usually have to spend some time abroad, to understand the other point of view and recognize the opportunities for synergy and collaboration.
4. If your company has a project in the region
Some companies have not been present in the region, but they are planning to do a project there. An intern from the countries of Western Balkans can do research of the market, potential partners and stakeholders, perform different analysis and stay a contact person in the region.
5. If your company has a subsidiary in the region or plans to open one
It happened more than once that the participating companies opened a subsidiary in one of the countries of the Western Balkans. Getting involved in the Programme helped them to recruit the staff… In some cases, even to find a manager!
Here you can read how our alumnus, Stefan Tosic, opened a subsidiary of the company where he did his internship in his hometown, Nis, Serbia.
6. If your company wants top-notch and curious students
The selection process for this Programme is detailed and guarantees that the selected candidates are high-achievers in any sense. Firstly, they must send a written application. Secondly, they attend interviews. The commission consists of project coordinators, alumni of the Programme and representatives of the respective embassies, the GIZ, the bilateral Chambers of Commerce and some companies. The final say has the company. You always have the opportunity to talk with the young professionals and decide who would be the best fit for your team.
7. If your company wants a reliable partner – the Programme supported 16 generations
Over the past 16 years, the Internship Programme became a best-practice example of a regional Public-Private Partnership Programme, covering education, economic development, and regional collaboration.
Since its foundation in 2003, more than 200 leading German companies have participated in the Programme and have provided internships for more than 800 scholarship.
Having this vast experience, the Project team encountered many different situations and now stands ready to support both the intern and the company in various aspects of the internship.
8. If your company wants to join a list of satisfied partners of the Programme
Here are just some of the impressions that representatives of the participating companies have shared with us through the years:
- “We have been participating in the Internship Programme of German Business for the countries of the Western Balkans since 2010. Our expectations have been more than met since the first year. We have not only been able to accompany committed and very talented interns who are eager to learn but also to support them starting their professional career.” – Europoles GmbH & Co. KG
- “We have been participating in this Programme in the past 10 years, from the very first day, and it has always been a pleasure to work with the highly motivated scholarship holders. We are looking forward to the next generation!”- Robert Bosch GmbH
- „METRO participates in the Zoran Djindjic Internship Programme of German Business since 2011. Particularly in times when differences and divisions are emphasized too often, our participation is not just a means to recruit young talents but a contribution to cross-border exchange and the European idea.” – METRO AG
- „We as Deutsche Telekom are delighted with the opportunities the Zoran Djindjic Internship Programme provides us with: To meet highly qualified young professionals of different fields of expertise during their internships in Germany. Due to the fact that we have subsidiaries in 4 of the Programme’s 7 countries, the Programme is of special interest to us and differs from similar programs through its internationality. For our daily, intercultural work exchange with the subsidiaries, we benefit from the personal experiences of our interns which they have brought from their home countries. In this respect, we can only recommend the Programme and are happy to continue our close cooperation with the Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations in the future.” – Telekom
- “We have been participating in the Internship Programme for the first time this year and are amazed. Our intern was perfect. As a newcomer, we have been very well taken care of by the project team. Keep going! We are looking forward to participating again.” – PETKUS Technologie GmbH
To find a complete list of the companies that have participated so far, click here.
In the end, whatever the reason might be – hosting an intern from abroad is equally beneficial for the intern and the company. The period of three to six months is enough to build a strong base for future collaboration and mutual knowledge acquisition.