Productivity
Though periods do occur when the workload is low, every effort should be made to keep the student occupied with meaningful, productive assignments. Student assignments should mirror those normally given to new, inexperienced, entry-level professionals.
Responsibility
A gradual increase in the level of responsibility in assignments will serve to keep the student motivated and challenged throughout the placement period.
Accomplishment
Interns should be made to feel they have accomplished some piece of work or project that contributed to the departmental or organizational objectives.
To pay or not to pay, that is the question.
To help you determine your policy, please review “Fact Sheet#71: Internship Programs Under the Fair Labor Standards Act."
Professional Development
Attention should be given to help the student develop a sense of professionalism. Assignments and supervisor’s meetings with the student might relate to what is expected of new professionals and typical career paths in your particular field.
Look Ahead
Should a student become a permanent employee in the future, the investment made can yield significant payoffs, such as, reduced costs of training, quicker assimilation as a member of your organization, and increased productivity in a shorter span of time.
Information drawn from NCCE, University of California – Riverside, Messiah College
