Students

INTERNSHIPS

A GUIDE FOR THE SUPERVISOR

An Intern:

  • Provides your site with a highly motivated and productive student employee and provides a student with the necessary skills and abilities to have an edge in the job market.
  • Increases access to culturally diverse candidates.
  • Develops positive relationships with institutions of higher education within the community.
  • Allows for the completion of special projects, short tasks and research.
  • Provides a fresh outlook with talent and ideas to share-which you are looking for in new hires!
  • Can become a trained, willing and able employee!


Once you have decided to accept an intern just follow these helpful hints. Being a part of an internship program is a rewarding and positive experience.

Be prepared to teach.

Even if your intern is a self-starter, don't forget that interns are there to learn. Expect to spend time with your intern instructing and mentoring.

Let them do important, meaningful work.

This doesn't mean that everything your intern will do is a challenge to them. It does mean that your intern may have ideas and knowledge to share. Allow your intern to become part of the "team".

Design short term projects.

Prepare something specifically for your intern to complete within the time they are assigned to be with you.

Be clear about all facets of the internship.

Establish regular working hours, procedures and compensation. Make sure they understand what you are expecting of them. Make sure they know you are open to questions, even fundamental ones.

Compensation is nice.

Keep in mind that your intern is a student. Provide bus fare or a lunch stipend if you can't afford to pay an hourly wage.

Invest in more equipment.

An intern with his/her own desk, phone, computer and supplies will not only increase the interns' feeling of self-worth but it will also increase productivity.

When your intern leaves, ask for ideas.

Ask your intern for feedback on his/her position and for a description of their accomplishments and challenges. Also, ask the intern to revise his/her job description.

Provide feedback and evaluation.

Everyone likes to know if they are doing a good job. Make sure your intern knows what they are doing right and in what areas they may need improvement.

Think about hiring your intern!

Think about it early and mention it if it is an idea you would like to pursue.