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Establishing an Effective Internship Program
Internship
programs are mutually beneficial to an organization and a student. The needs of an organization are met through the
valuable assistance of the student intern, and the intern gets the
opportunity to gain real-life work experience that could help them land
a job or begin a career.
The following tips can help you successfully develop and implement an internship program in your workplace.
An internship program should meet the following criteria: - Provide a valuable learning experience for the intern.
- Allow
students to work a significant amount of time (10-40 hours/ week), with
the beginning and end dates clearly stated before the intern begins the
position.
- Interns should have a substantial level of responsibility.
- The internship should be structured in ways that simulate an actual job.
- The organization should have an on-site mentor for the intern (usually the supervisor).
- Interns should be encouraged to initiate projects, ask questions, absorb information, and provide feedback.
- The
organization should have a clear written agreement with the intern
about expectations, responsibilities, evaluation, resources, learning
goals, supervision, and work schedule.
The following checklist can be helpful to organizations interested in establishing a successful internship program: - Conduct an Internal Audit
- Can you provide meaningful work assignments?
- Are you prepared and able to invest time in interns?
- Is a staff person available to supervise the interns?
- Can you provide financial support to the interns? (wages, stipends, travel and parking reimbursements)
- Do you have adequate office space and equipment for interns? (computer, telephone, desk)
- Select the Intern Supervisor
- Is this person committed to and capable of developing student interns?
- Does this person have time to supervise?
- Develop a position description
- Provide an accurate overview of the position responsibilities, work assignments, and time frame
- Clearly outline expected outcomes
- Review Applications/Resumes and Interview Prospective Interns
- Do not automatically accept candidates without interviews.
- Interview and select interns.
- Orient and Supervise the Interns
- Share
the organization's mission statement and goals with interns. Provide
them with a tour of the facilities and information on policies and
procedures, formal and informal. Introduce interns to all staff with
whom they will be working.
- Arrange for training, as necessary,
with computer programs, telephone systems, copy and facsimile machines
or other equipment the interns will be using.
- Provide interns with information regarding appropriate work attire and behavior.
- Offer directions on the specifics of work assignments.
- Include
the interns in staff meetings when appropriate. Assist interns in
arranging informational interviews with colleagues in other departments
or offices.
- Meet with interns on a regular basis to answer questions and to provide feedback.
- Seek and Provide Feedback
- Ask the supervisor to write recommendations for the interns if appropriate.
- Take interns to lunch on their last day. Discuss their experience with your organization.
- Assess your internship program. Make adjustments as necessary.
Other Internship Resources
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