Ben Strum
Early Careers Writer
Getting ready to hire interns? Here’s everything you need to know, from planning to onboarding.
Congratulations on your decision to hire an intern! Whether you’re launching your first internship program or eager to enhance your current one, getting started can feel overwhelming. Don’t fret, this article is your guide to everything you need before bringing an intern on board.
1. Choose a project
Choosing the right project for your intern is all about striking a balance. You want to foster growth, while tapping into Gen Z’s unique insights and tech-native skills. Whether your intern is rotating through teams or focusing on a specific project, it’s critical not to overwhelm them. Providing dedicated projects or a manageable slate of clients allows space for development, training, assessment, and mutual benefit.
2. Make a timeline
Next, outline the duration of your internship program, including team rotations and employment pathway milestones. Providing a schedule to your interns on their first day is essential for building trust with Gen Z, who value workplace transparency.
3. Budget, budget, budget
Read all about it! Before proceeding, it’s important to consider your budget for hiring an intern. This will determine how many interns you can accommodate. In the United States, the average intern earns approximately $20 USD per hour. While you must adhere to minimum wage requirements, offering a competitive junior salary is key to attracting financially motivated Gen Z hires.
4. Write a proposal
Now, leverage your internship timeline to craft an internship program proposal aligning with Gen Z’s preference for meaningful face-to-face interactions and a supportive work environment. Begin by outlining daily, weekly, and monthly goals for your intern. Determine whether they will rotate through different teams, and identify suitable mentors amongst your staff. Consider practical details such as seating arrangements, provided equipment, stipends, and flexible working arrangements.
We recommend sharing your proposal with relevant management to gather feedback. This proactive approach ensures that everybody is on the same page and a smooth start for your intern. Your internship proposal can also shape your job posting.
5. Make a measure of performance
Define your ideal intern profile and use it to establish evaluation criteria. Avoid setting perfectionist standards – each intern may excel in different rotations, and it's critical to identify and nurture talent in specific areas. Providing Key performance Indicators (KPIs) also offers clear direction and opportunities for Gen Z to shine.
Remember, feedback is a two-way street. 96% of Gen Z employees want to feel included and empowered at work. Develop a survey for departing interns to gather insights on their experience to enhance future offerings. If taken on board, this kind of feedback ensures continuous improvement in your internship program.
6. Establish employment pathways
Before crafting a job post, consider if you’re open to hiring outstanding interns after they complete their placements – it’s a compelling opportunity that could attract applicants. Begin by determining how many positions you can budget for if hiring multiple interns. Next, establish a clear employment pathway based on your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and project goals to streamline your assessment process. Being upfront about these factors during onboarding builds trust with interns, and inspires them to aim high!
7. Create a reward system
Decide on the ‘rewards’ that all interns who successfully complete a placement at your company will receive. This might include a LinkedIn recommendation and a reference for future employers. Consider including these benefits in your job post to entice candidates.
8. Start recruiting
An efficient recruitment process is crucial to minimise stress when hiring interns. Using specialised hiring platforms just like Prosple can help students find meaningful opportunities aligned with their career goals. Alternatively, you can find potential hires by posting on university career hubs.
9. Do your paperwork
time to get your paperwork in order! Consider preparing the following documents:
Contract for interns
Work proposal including schedule, KPIs and employment pathway
Company policy and culture agreement for interns to sign
Since Gen Z values ethically-minded workplaces and diversity, ensure your company policy and culture document outlines your commitment to work-life balance, diversity and inclusion, including accommodations for people with disabilities.
If your intern is completing a vocational placement, request the relevant documentation from their education provider prior to their starting date.
10. Get onboarding
Last but not least, plan your onboarding process to ensure a smooth and welcoming transition for your interns. Prior to their first day, contact them to share:
Start date
Instructions for entering the building or finding the office
Who to ask for when they arrive
Expected time of arrival
Items they need to bring to complete paperwork (e.g. ID, social security number (in the U.S.), etc.)
Day One schedule
Dress Code
Technology you’ll be providing (e.g. laptop)
Coordinate with IT to:
Set up your intern’s email
Create logins for necessary devices and programs
On your intern’s first day, ensure, relevant presentations are ready, meeting rooms are booked, and their mentor is prepared to welcome them by:
Introducing them to the team
Briefing them on the seating plan
Outlining the project(s) they’ll participate in
Discussing their regular and initial tasks
Scheduling training
Assigning a level-appropriate ‘work buddy’ for lunch
Have HR assist your intern with paperwork and answer any questions. They might also offer a welcome kit that includes:
Company paraphernalia
Tech accessories or equipment
Setting your intern up for success on their first day sets a positive tone for their time at your company. By following all of these steps, you’ll attract top talent and cultivate a supportive work environment for interns!
So…want to hire an intern now? Good idea.
Yes, hiring interns can be a cost-effective solution to business problems that crop up, but investing in an intern offers benefits far beyond that. Interns infuse workplaces with diversity, skills, and potential – there’s many a good reasons to start recruiting interns for your business.
Prosple is home to a million students around the world looking for an internship or graduate position. Simply create or login to your Prosple Employer Hub profile to post an internship - for free!
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