The academic year will be over before you know it, and for many businesses, summertime also means summer interns. According to the American Society of Employers, internships are more than just a valuable educational experience for budding professionals — an effective internship program can also make it easier and cheaper for companies to attract and retain talent, generate visibility and goodwill in the community for your business, and help permanent employees grow as supervisors.
Managing interns is not always the same as supervising seasoned professionals, and that's a good thing. If you're getting ready to supervise an intern for the first time, embrace the challenge and take advantage of the opportunity to grow with them.
Tips for managing interns
* Make their first days on the job positive and rewarding. Don't point to a desk and leave them with nothing to do for the day. Show them around the office, introduce them to co-workers, show them where to get coffee or office supplies, and make sure they feel welcomed.
* Be warm and approachable. Your intern is there to learn, and should feel comfortable asking questions and admitting mistakes. If they feel intimidated, they might just stay silent.
* Watch them closely, but don't micromanage. Check in with them if they look confused or bored, and prompt them on when to seek input on others. If you notice that your intern is distracted with a mobile device or aimlessly browsing the web, keep your cool — this is an opportunity to help them develop good work habits and learn how to be productive.
* Give lots of feedback. Open communication about your expectations and their performance teaches them that these conversations important for a healthy and functioning work environment. Make sure to recognize and compliment good work and be kind and flexible when your intern inevitably makes a mistake. Learning how to address mistakes is a critical professional skill, and your intern is relying on you to teach them how.
Source: Northern Arizona University