Re: managing interns

[Beth Agnew <beth -dot- agnew -at- senecac -dot- on -dot- ca>]

The best first step is to make out a training plan or work plan that 
details the tasks they will be involved with during their internship. 
State their roles and responsibilities, and some measure for evaluation, 
including periodic progress meetings. Include how they will be 
supervised, assigned to tasks, and provided with feedback. What learning 
objectives will they have during their period of work? What are the 
manager's and company's expectations about their behavior, work habits, 
and so on. Maybe not all of this gets put into a plan, but these things 
should be thought through. How do you see them growing during their work 
term?

I find the plan is useful for helping everyone involved know what will 
be going on with the interns while they're there. It is also a useful 
document for presenting to them and gaining their understanding of what 
is expected of them. You may want to finalize it after you have 
discussed the plan with the interns themselves, so that you can 
incorporate whatever learning goals they might have that you can 
accommodate but didn't think of.

I also like to assign my interns a "buddy" -- someone who is not related 
to them in the org chart but who can help them integrate into the 
corporate culture, and answer general questions.

A good internship opportunity is rewarding for both the company and the 
interns. Kudos to your company for offering this valuable learning 
opportunity.
--Beth

Julia Cemer wrote: