There are corporate dynamos among us who see the opportunity for branding when interns arrive during Fall. After all, those eager faces about to grace your offices aren’t just free labor (kidding, we pay our interns!). For a brand, the internship season in Fall presents a lot of opportunities not just to promote the brand but also improve its reputation.
And that involves strategic use of company swag.
Let’s dive into how you can turn your Fall interns into ambassadors of your brand.
Interns & Branding
A bunch of bright-eyed, bushy-tailed students are coming, ready to learn about and from your company. In the process, they are also absorbing your brand identity. Why not make it a bit beneficial for you as well? Either way, the interns will be spreading the word about your company in their circles. You could say they are an untapped de facto marketing team.
And you can have them look the part. They need to look sharp and feel part of the team right from the get go. You could either go for intern-specific uniforms or give them branded apparel or accessories to wear during the internship. Uniform polo shirts for interns is a trend worth considering. I’d recommend checking our Core 365 Uniform polo shirts for starters, unless you have a bigger budget to make your interns happy. In that case, Core365 jackets are a good bet particularly with their higher perceived value during Fall.
Polo shirts are versatile, comfortable, and perfect for that “smart casual” vibe. Plus, they look great with your logo on them. Branded jackets are superb for autumn’s chilly mornings, and can make your interns feel like they are in a place that values their presence. This really encourages your interns to put in more discretionary effort for your brand.
The Value You Offer
With company swag, you are offering more value to them than an internship at your firm. The branded swag you use must have:
- Quality that speaks your brand’s high standards
- Style that doesn’t feel like a uniform
- Durability that supports the hustle & bustle of internship
- Real Estate to convey your brand’s core values (a tagline and logo will do too)
I can vouch for Core 365 polo shirts because they are made for this. Not very stuffy or too casual. Just the right balance. Pretty affordable when you buy in bulk too.
What’s next? Getting creative with your branding efforts!
Branding The Welcoming
Imagine how you’d feel if you’re an intern walking into a company and receiving a branded welcome kit. Why not have your interns smile wilder as they come with aspirations and expectations.
A branded notebook for taking notes and writing down their ideas
A branded pen
A branded water bottle
A branded tote bag (because who doesn’t love one)
These work. And these products put your brand in a completely different light showcasing grace, receptiveness and warmth. The outcome? They would want to return the favor with their ideas and effort.
Additionally, you can create a hashtag for your intern program and encourage them to share their experiences in social media while you feature intern spotlights on your company’s social channels, subtly displaying the branded swag your interns are enjoying. To enhance the experience, you can pair interns with mentors and offer “branded incentives” every time they hit a milestone in their internship.
As for the Grand Finale, send them off in style. And not just with a Certificate of completion. A branded “yearbook” with photos and memories from their time with you could mean more to them. The word of mouth will soar. This is also where you can offer a Fall-friendly outerwear as a parting gift, earning more brand loyalty in return.
Tips for Lasting Impressions
- Don’t bombard them with cheap swag. A few high-quality items go a long way.
- Share the “why” behind your brand to make them feel part of something bigger.
- Let interns put their own spin on how they rep your brand.
- Your branding should be cohesive across all items. No mixed messages.
The ROI of Intern Branding
Let’s talk numbers for a sec. Investing in quality branded items for your interns isn’t just about making them look good. It’s a long-term strategy. These interns are future industry professionals. They’re going to remember the company that made them feel valued and part of the team. That’s brand loyalty you can’t buy (well, technically you can, with custom apparel from brands like Core 365, but you get the point).
By decking out your interns in custom gear and surrounding them with thoughtful, branded items, you’re creating a team of brand ambassadors who’ll sing your praises long after the leaves have fallen. Brand boldly, and watch your company’s reputation go high enough to entice customers to pamper your brand just the way you pampered your interns.
