3 Common Problems with Internship Programs
3 Common Problems with Internship Programs & Suggested Solutions
Many internships programs are plagued with problems. From not planning correctly to sometimes leaving an intern in the dark, a lot of companies do not take proactive measures to ensure the intern has a meaningful experience. However, this not only makes the internship unfulfilling, it may also leave a bad taste in the intern’s mouth, which could lead to company bashing or deterring others from applying in the future.
The good news is that many failing internship programs can be salvaged. Here are three common problems and how to fix them:
The internship is one-sided. Many interns commit to an internship with the promise of creating relationships with the members of the organization, as well as establishing contacts through networking. However, some interns find that programs are very one-sided and benefits like having a mentor are almost non-existent.
However, the whole point of an internship is to learn from more experienced professionals. So, you may want to think about spending more time mentoring your intern by asking them what you can do to assist them with their goals and helping them grow from intern to young professional. Think about creating an internship plan, meeting with your intern on a regular basis, and keeping them informed on company news. The more feedback you give them, the more your intern learns.
Tasks are unrelated or irrelevant. We’ve all heard the internship stereotypes, like coffee runner, cabinet filer, or document copier. While these tasks obviously need to be done by someone, it probably shouldn’t be the highlight of an internship program.
For example, if you work in an architecture firm and need an intern, their tasks could include things like assisting in creating blueprints, suggesting additions to site planning, or helping to manage a client deal. These are real experiences. After all, you’re only discrediting your image and the image of your company if you continue
Many internships programs are plagued with problems. From not planning correctly to sometimes leaving an intern in the dark, a lot of companies do not take proactive measures to ensure the intern has a meaningful experience. However, this not only makes the internship unfulfilling, it may also leave a bad taste in the intern’s mouth, which could lead to company bashing or deterring others from applying in the future.
The good news is that many failing internship programs can be salvaged. Here are three common problems and how to fix them:
The internship is one-sided. Many interns commit to an internship with the promise of creating relationships with the members of the organization, as well as establishing contacts through networking. However, some interns find that programs are very one-sided and benefits like having a mentor are almost non-existent.
However, the whole point of an internship is to learn from more experienced professionals. So, you may want to think about spending more time mentoring your intern by asking them what you can do to assist them with their goals and helping them grow from intern to young professional. Think about creating an internship plan, meeting with your intern on a regular basis, and keeping them informed on company news. The more feedback you give them, the more your intern learns.
Tasks are unrelated or irrelevant. We’ve all heard the internship stereotypes, like coffee runner, cabinet filer, or document copier. While these tasks obviously need to be done by someone, it probably shouldn’t be the highlight of an internship program.
For example, if you work in an architecture firm and need an intern, their tasks could include things like assisting in creating blueprints, suggesting additions to site planning, or helping to manage a client deal. These are real experiences. After all, you’re only discrediting your image and the image of your company if you continue