Internships provide students the opportunity to gain "hands on" experience, to explore career options, to develop confidence in work abilities, and to put into practice the theory and principles they are being taught in class. For many Tisch students, an internship is a method of obtaining class credit under the supervision of faculty.
*Tisch Office of Career Development does not administer internships for credit. For information on becoming a credit-based internship sponsor, contact a Departmental Internship Coordinator.
Keys to a Providing a Successful Internship Experience
Be Prepared to teach.
Even if your intern is a self-starter, don't forget that interns are there to learn. Expect to spend time with your intern instructing and mentoring, especially on your organization's culture and methods of task completion.
Let them do important, meaningful work.
This doesn't mean that everything your intern will do is a challenge to them. It does mean that your intern may have ideas and knowledge to share. Allow your intern to become part of the "team."
Design short term projects.
Prepare something specifically your intern to complete within the time they are assigned to be with you.
Be clear about all facets of the internship.
Establish regular working hours. Make sure they understand what you are expecting of them. Make sure they know you are open to questions, even fundamental ones.
Compensation is nice.
Keep in mind that your intern is a student. Provide bus far or a lunch stipend if you can. Compile with the Fair Labor Standards Act and assist students in any formal paperwork to receive college credit if applicable.
Invest in more equipment.
An intern with his/her own desk, phone, computer and supplies will not only increase the interns' feeling of self-worth but also increase productivity.
When your intern leaves, ask for ideas!
Ask your intern for feedback on his/her position and for a description of their accomplishments and challenges. Also, ask the intern to revise his/her job description.
Think about hiring your intern!
Think about it early and mention it if it is an idea you would like to pursue.
