[codefreeordie]

In my experience, the median intern provides trivially-small but non-zero value in their direct contributions. Sometimes, it works out great and you get big value, but rarely enough to repay the time of the mentor.

The primary value of internship programs is as an extended interview and hiring pipeline for the continuous flow of new-grad-level engineers required to keep the company healthy as it's existing employees either eventually depart or move up the ranks.

Intern programs also are potent tools for growing a company's reputation.