How to Manage an Intern
Publié le 16 October 2024
Improve your workplace and provide valuable experiences for young professionals by understanding how to manage an intern.
Bringing interns into your organization is about more than just assigning tasks—it’s about shaping their potential and giving them the experience to thrive in their careers. A well-managed internship can lead to exceptional growth for both the intern and the team.
Whether it’s fostering their skills, involving them in team dynamics, or setting a clear pathway for learning, a thoughtful approach can turn an intern into a long-term asset. After all, research indicates that a whopping 94% of all employees would gladly stay at a company that gives them a chance and invests in them.
Internships are a perfect opportunity to capitalize on that professional bond, and we’re going to use today’s blog to explore why.
Setting Clear Expectations from Day One
Clarity is the cornerstone of managing an intern effectively. From the moment they step into the workplace, they should understand their role, goals, and the outcomes expected of them. Take time to clearly outline their responsibilities and what they should aim to achieve during the internship.
Why is this important?
For starters, it clearly showcases you have trust in them by giving them a respectable challenge in the form of tasks. At the same time, they will also consider the team trustworthy due to a lack of beating around the bush.
According to a survey by the Institute of Leadership, more than half of all respondents placed integrity in their top 3 things they’re looking for amongst their teams.
Regular communication is essential, too. Hold a comprehensive onboarding session to familiarize them with the company’s workflows and culture. Create an open channel for questions, ensuring they feel comfortable seeking guidance when needed.
This is because establishing a structure of organic, open communication can keep them on track and address potential issues early.
Providing Continuous Support and Mentorship
While clarity is essential, it’s expected and more of a foundational aspect of intern management. Moreover, an intern’s growth relies heavily on the support and mentorship they receive during their time with your company.
Sure, guidance matters a lot, it’s equally important to balance support with opportunities for the intern to take initiative. Mentorship can take many forms, including but not limited to:
- Scheduled one-on-one meetings
- On-the-spot feedback during projects
- Video review sessions
- Daily Loom exchanges with questions
- Pilot projects where the intern can learn in a pressure-less environment
Likewise, you should also think about the mentor. Primarily, pairing the intern with a mentor or experienced employee can accelerate their learning and help them navigate challenges more effectively.
But at the same time, this mentor-mentee relationship can reinvigorate the person mentoring the internet. Through teaching, they’ll reinforce their own knowledge,
A mentor should be someone who is approachable and knowledgeable, offering both technical advice and soft skills guidance. Additionally, open feedback sessions can encourage interns to express any concerns, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported throughout the internship. If there’s any friction, address it immediately, for the both of their sakes.
Offering Constructive Feedback
Feedback is a vital component of an intern’s development, and delivering it effectively can significantly influence their growth. It’s important to maintain a balance between constructive criticism and praise to ensure the intern stays motivated while addressing areas of improvement.
Start by focusing on their strengths and acknowledging what they’re doing well. Then, offer specific, actionable advice on where they can improve. Avoid vague statements; be clear and provide examples to help them understand exactly what needs work.
However, this may vary when it comes to different industries. A newly onboarded accounting intern will certainly feel comfortable with different regulatory aspects and rules while having difficulties with internal invoice automation systems. Conversely, a dev will know more shortcuts and cloud automation opportunities, while finding it difficult to adapt to a drastically different product management style.
That’s why early and regular feedback sessions, whether formal or informal, create opportunities for open dialogue. This ensures that the intern knows how they are progressing and which aspects of their work and knowledge need improvement.
Remember when you’re considering how to manage an intern, the goal is to foster improvement, not discourage them, so frame your critiques in a way that emphasizes learning and growth. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in helping them build confidence, while targeted feedback helps sharpen their skills.
Encouraging Independence and Initiative
Empowering your intern to take ownership of their work is crucial for their development. Once they have a solid understanding of their responsibilities and goals, gradually give them more autonomy. Start by assigning tasks that allow for independent problem-solving, encouraging them to think creatively and find solutions on their own. This not only builds confidence but also fosters a sense of accountability.
Let your intern know that it’s okay to make mistakes, as long as they learn from them. Encourage them to propose ideas and take on small leadership roles within projects. By trusting them with responsibility and creating space for initiative, you enable them to grow into a proactive and resourceful member of the team.
Tips for Managing Friction in Intern Management
Managing interns can sometimes come with its own set of challenges, especially when misunderstandings or miscommunication arise. It’s essential to approach these situations with patience and a solution-oriented mindset. Here are some tips for managing friction:
- Address issues early: Don’t wait for small issues to escalate. If you notice friction or misunderstandings, address them immediately through open and honest communication.
- Set boundaries and expectations clearly: Sometimes friction arises because roles or expectations are not well-defined. Revisit the initial goals and clarify any points of confusion.
- Encourage two-way feedback: Interns should feel comfortable voicing their concerns or challenges. Create an environment where feedback flows both ways, ensuring that interns feel heard.
- Stay professional and calm: Friction can cause frustration, but it’s important to remain calm and professional. Focus on solving the issue rather than assigning blame.
- Mentor through conflicts: Help your intern learn how to handle workplace challenges. Walk them through the best practices for addressing conflicts, and model positive conflict resolution.
- Be flexible when possible: Recognize that interns are still learning. If friction stems from work-related issues, try adjusting their tasks or providing additional support to help them improve.
Wrapping up the Internship: Evaluation and Next Steps
As the internship draws to a close, a thorough evaluation is essential for reflecting on the intern’s progress. Begin by reviewing their initial goals and assessing how well they met expectations. Highlight both strengths and areas for growth.
This is also an opportunity to provide detailed feedback on skills they’ve developed and where further improvement is needed.
For the intern’s future, consider offering career guidance, networking advice, discussing potential industry opportunities, and providing letters of recommendation.
If the intern was a strong performer, explore whether they might be a fit for a permanent role within the company. Even if that isn’t an option, give them actionable advice for their next career steps, reinforcing the value of the experience gained during the internship.
Conclusion
Successfully managing interns benefits both the organization and the intern, creating a foundation for future talent and ensuring the intern’s professional growth.
With clear expectations, reliable mentorship, and an independence-first outlook, you can foster a productive and enriching experience.
Ultimately, a supportive and structured approach not only enhances the internship experience but also strengthens the company’s reputation as a nurturing workplace.
