How to Guide: Building a Successful Intern Program

1.
A
Quick
How
to
Guide
by
Sandra
Olivarez
Building
an
Intern
Program
a Successful
/
1
2
3
4
5
6
Research
Recruit
Orientate
Engage
Evaluate
Retain
Familiarize
yourself
with
all
the
options
available.
There
are
a
lot
of
resources
readily
available
online.
Check
out:
www.internships.com,
www.internmatch.com,
and
www.naceweb.org
just
to
get
you
started.
Build
relationships
with
nearby
colleges
and
universities.
Spend
time
on
campus,
attend
recruiting
events
and
participate
in
leadership
programs.
Be
careful
not
to
dismiss
non-­‐traditional
interns.
Set
expectations
early
on.
Clearly
communicate
hours,
pay,
and
potential
future
opportunities.
Introduce
your
company
culture.
Set-­‐up
each
intern
with
a
mentor
and/or
sponsor
that
will
remain
with
them
for
the
duration
of
their
internship.
Ensure
your
interns
are
engaged
and
challenged.
Assign
real
hands-­‐on
projects.
Provide
real
learning
opportunities.
Allow
time
for
networking
and
relationship
building.
Establish
regular
1:1
meetings
with
your
intern.
Be
sure
to
assess
performance
often
and
provide
feedback.
Address
issues
and
mistakes
immediately.
Evaluate
whether
or
not
your
intern
is
a
good
culture
fit.
Present
interns
that
are
a
good
fit
with
an
offer
letter
before
they
leave
your
program.
Maintain
a
relationship
with
interns
who
are
not
starting
immediately
(finishing
senior
year
of
college)
engaged
until
they
start.