Division of Workforce Development (Careers and Continuing Education)
Tips for Internship Program Supervisors
Getting the most out of your interns
Communicate your expectations
Let them know what you would like to collectively accomplish during your time together.
Assign them a specific work area
Just like any employee with responsibilities, their own assigned work area will help them blend in, and more importantly, “buy” into your company.
Treat them like a member of your team
Even though their assignment with you is temporary, you are more likely to retain the interest and goodwill of an intern if you start treating them as a team member from day one.
Plan their work and help them work their plan
Specific goals, benchmarks and/or assignments will help everyone focus on making the internship productive for the interns, and more importantly, for your company.
Assign them projects you have not had the time to develop
Providing a little guidance in terms of general concept, budget constraints, deadlines, etc., could result in the final product of that sales brochure you wanted to work on or perhaps even the website development you just have not had a chance to work on yourself.
Allow them to see the big picture
Having them spend a little time in each department, such as in accounting, sales and production, is a great way to give them a better overall view of your company. The end result could be a better rounded future employee.
Mold the next generation
This is your opportunity to help guide and develop the next generation of employees within your workplace. Challenging students in ways that will help them polish and hone their business skills is essential to the spirit of Florida Community College internships.
Give them feedback
Providing constructive suggestions for improvement and congratulating interns on successful projects is an excellent way to help reinforce your company’s initiatives.
Provide access to your business network
Once you have helped to mold and polish your interns, consider allowing them to network or interact with your customers. Who knows…if you chose not to employ them upon completion of their internship, maybe one of your customers will!
Make it fun!
Internships should be a win-win situation for all involved, interns and employer. You get access to talented students and, in turn, they get the opportunity to develop their professional skills in a real-life work environment.
