CBD Marketing implements virtual internships to hire millennials

Most agencies used internships to identify and pre-rate potential new hires. CBD Marketing in Chicago gave a twist to this classic role with virtual internships, based on a remote work model with access from anywhere. It is a great solution for small agencies and is very tempting for millennials, who enjoy the flexibility, collaboration and new ways of working.CBD conceived the program together with a partner organization, Kent State University (KSU) in Ohio. This university has a great journalism and communications program, which is why they decided to join in seeking talent that would help them with a national research project.Two students from KSU started their virtual internships in January and were paid for 15 hours per week, which they could distribute according to their convenience. An accounts director was responsible for following up their performance remotely, and guided them during the research process. Near the end of the internship CBD invited them to spend two days at the agency to discuss their final results. The experience was very positive, both for the agency as well as for the interns, who were very happy with the virtual nature of the work relationship, the contacts and the trust placed in them. One of the interns entered CBD after graduation and the agency is implementing the virtual internship plan for next year.