My National College Speaking Tour takes brings me to colleges and universities across the country. In fact, my New Year’s present from SouthWest was my title of “A-List Member.” I no longer have to print my own boarding pass – amazing!

On a recent flight, an article in Spirit Magazine, Southwest’s in-flight publication, caught my eye. The article, “Reverse Internships”, states that employers and students should switch roles and employers should be the interns. The article also explores the idea of a contracted remote internship position.

Jay Heinrichs, the author and editorial director for the publication states, “Instead of hiring young people as interns at our offices, we older types should try interning with them. Kids simply do some things better.”

Are you focused on closing the gap between your knowledge of new media versus your intern’s? Become an intern for a day, a week, a year. Watch and learn from the interns and young minds in your office on a daily basis. Put yourself in their world. What are they doing? What are they playing with? What are they watching? How are they communicating? The article reminds employers to let your interns help with creating new ideas and trendspotting. They are on the brink of everything fresh – especially when it comes to new media.

Heinrichs claims that Spirit Magazine intends to perform a trial-run of this remote internship idea with Champlain College, the liberal arts school in Vermont. Now, perhaps Mr. Heinrichs isn’t familiar with the virtual internship (which is similar) but he’s on to something….

“Fly them in at the beginning and end of the contract—which, because of the remote nature, could last as long as a year—or, better yet, fly to them. In other words, while students bear the title of intern, you’re the real apprentice.”

What an idea! Have a student consult at your company. Let them tell you what they like and what they dislike. Provide a great learning experience with a real hands-on opportunity for the student and create a beneficial opportunity for your company. Soak up whatever you can from these interns. Structure your programs with brainstorming sessions, surveys, and mentorship sessions and see what you can learn from your intern.