The document outlines recommendations for creating an effective internship program. It suggests assigning interns to real projects with end-to-end involvement and client engagement to develop soft skills. Interns should be provided their own technology stack and access to tools to gain experience for future employment. The ideal program pairs interns with experienced developer mentors on projects and allows room for interns to improve their skills and abilities over time through effort.

1. ANDRÉ ODENDAAL
Create a Worthwhile Internship Programme

2. Background
> AppFactory running for 6+ years
> 100% employment rate
> Software craftmanship is a mentored effort
That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the nature of the task has
changed, but our ability to perform it has improved. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

3. Key Points
> Undistracted intermediate or better dev as mentor (magic sauce)
> Real projects with end-to-end buy-in (pride in ownership)
> Client (non-technical) engagement. Exposure to the greater eco-
system and processes (soft skills & empathy development)
> Breadth of research topics (infinite learner)
> Their own copy of your tech stack (future employment)
> Service access (tools of the job)
> Allowed to fail (safety net)

4. Intern’s Applied Effort & Ability over Time
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
January February March April May June July
Effort/Ability
Time
Kak-out Session
Aha! Moment
Attitude Adjustment Period

5. Going Forward
> Visit Us
> Partner with Us
> Ask for our manuals and suggestions
> Create a community of mentorship

6. /* THANK YOU*/
ANDRÉ ODENDAAL
Microsoft
v-anoden@microsoft.com
@Fengol
http://www.devconf.co.za/