Establishing a Successful Internship Program

Conduct an internal audit

Can you provide meaningful work assignments?
Is there a peak workload or heavy vacation period when the organization will benefit from extra help?
Are you prepared to invest time in interns?
Who on my staff will enjoy and benefit from working with an intern?
Although optional, can you provide financial support (e.g., salary, gas money, supplies)?
Do you have office space?

Provide overview of job, work assignments, time frame, and application procedure.
Clearly outline expected outcomes.
Speak with the college internship contact person to share information about the assignments.
Send job description to college.

Do not automatically accept intern candidates without interviews.
Review resumes, applications, and meet with applicants.
Discuss start and end dates.
Provide interns with information regarding work attire, and agree on days and times they will be on site.
Select interns and notify the college internship contact person.
Notify employees that interns will be starting and provide them with background information about the projects interns will be doing.
Set up work space for interns.

Review with intern their learning objectives.
On the first day, introduce interns to all staff with whom they will be working.
Orient students to resources available and provide any necessary training (e.g., computer, equipment, etc.).
Meet with the intern on a regular basis to provide feedback and ensure projects are on track.
Discuss your career field, its current issues, and career opportunities within it.

In an exit interview, ask interns to give you feedback regarding their experience with your organization.
Have the intern supervisor fill out an evaluation on the intern and write recommendations if appropriate.