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Manage The Intern
Getting started on the right foot is important. This will lay a good foundation for the intern’s experience. Using the work plan you have developed for the internship opportunity, set up an orientation for your new intern. A sample orientation outline and confidential information agreement are included under Resources.
Give your intern the resources he or she needs to do the job:
A proper workstation, telephone with voicemail, computer and email account is vital to your interns’ success. Point out the supply room and introduce any appropriate personnel.
Monitor the intern’s progress:
- Make sure you are aware of what’s happening with their daily tasks.
- Keep in mind this could be the first work experience for this person. When work is assigned make sure it is given with detailed explanation. A few extra minutes of explanation will pay off later when the intern produces good work independently.
- Help your intern set goals for completion of various tasks, including daily, weekly and monthly goals. This will help establish a solid work ethic for the intern.
Evaluate the intern’s progress periodically and give feedback:
- Evaluations are important for the success of your intern’s experience. Evaluation processes differ and yours might be a formal written review given at the halfway point and at the end of the program, or it may be delivered over an occasional lunch with the intern. Your evaluation structure is largely up to your corporate culture and needs.
- If the intern is participating in a for-credit internship the Internship Program Coordinator may require onsite visits, conference calls, or written evaluations during the internship to facilitate the evaluation process for grading purposes. The student intern should provide you with what is expected and the required forms.