5 tips for managing a social media intern

Normally, interns are eager to learn and delve into the company’s business to gain as much experience as possible. So, how short should one keep the proverbial leash when hiring and supervising a social media intern? There is much debate over this question because social media is easy to mess up and not so easy to fix when things happen in real time.

Here are a few tips on how to manage a social media intern so both parties can benefit from the internship.

1. Social media policy

Your company should have a social media policy to demonstrate to your team what is and what is not appropriate in regard to posting online and using social media channels that reflect upon the company’s brand.

Someone in management should take the time to go through that policy with the intern and make sure that he or she understands it completely. Although the intern may only be with the company for a limited amount of time, it is best to be thorough and make sure the intern represents the brand to the best of his or her capabilities.

Clearly notify the intern that he or she is responsible for any post on his personal pages that reflects negatively on the company. Give the intern some specific examples rather than just stating policy.

2. Monitor