Summer is upon us, and with it comes a surge of eager students seeking valuable work experience. But for companies, creating a successful summer internship program isn’t just about filling empty desks. It’s about nurturing young talent, injecting fresh ideas, and potentially building your future workforce.
So, how do you design a summer internship program that benefits both your company and the interns? Here’s a step-by-step guide to turn your program from good to great:
Step 1: Offer meaningful projects
Interns need projects that are challenging, relevant, and contribute to real outcomes for them to learn new skills and develop their portfolio. Think about upcoming projects or ongoing tasks that could benefit from an intern’s fresh perspective. Assigning a project on social media marketing or assisting with product development shows interns they’re valued contributors, not just there to help out with the overspill.
Step 2: Create a learning environment
A successful summer internship program isn’t just about work; it’s about learning and development. For larger companies, this might include workshops, guest speakers, or industry events to broaden interns’ knowledge. Smaller companies can replicate this by taking interns under their wing, allowing them to accompany senior managers to networking events and meetings. Encourage questions, feedback, and open discussions to help interns soak up new information and skills.
Step 3: Mentorship matters
Pair each intern with a dedicated mentor who can offer guidance and support throughout the program. This mentor should be someone approachable, knowledgeable, and invested in the intern’s success. Mentorship sessions can cover everything from navigating office culture to providing feedback on completed tasks.
Step 4: Feedback and recognition
Don’t let feedback be a one-way street! Schedule regular check-ins with interns to discuss progress, answer questions, and offer constructive criticism. Public recognition for a job well done can also go a long way. A well-placed thank you or a shout-out at a team meeting shows interns their contributions are valued.
Step 5: Beyond the internship
The best summer internship programs leave a lasting impression. Stay connected with interns after the program ends. Offer career development resources, or even the chance to return for future opportunities. A positive experience can turn interns into brand ambassadors, singing your praises to their peers and potentially returning as full-time hires after graduation.
By following these steps, you can create a summer internship program that benefits interns and fuels your company’s growth and innovation.
Are you looking to hire an intern this summer? get in touch with our team at Step today, to find out how we can help you achieve this.