Designing an Internship Program

Reader Question:

If my company implements an internship program, would we be required to pay student interns?
– Office Manager, Public Services

Internship programs, when optimally designed, should provide the student with a learning experience while offering the employer some value in terms of a resource that can contribute at the most basic and entry level possible.

The workload depends on how many hours per week the student is able to offer. As for its make-up, you should look to include the student in as many learning type of events as is possible. This could include having them attend meetings, shadow multiple members of the department they support to observe these folks in their roles, participation in projects and ongoing initiatives, etc. Giving them filing and more menial tasks is fine so long as there is balance.

Before hiring interns, also consider the best practices and methodologies for intern candidate sourcing, including interview questions, how you will assess the intern’s performance, and if the internship can be transitioned into future full-time employment.

For more on Internship Program development, design, and training, please click here.

group of interns

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