Explain the mission of the organization.
• How did the organization start? Why?
• What is unique about your product or service?
• Who benefits from your product or service?
• What are the organization's current objectives?
• How many interns contribute to those objectives?
Explain the organization structure.
• Who reports to whom?
• Who, specifically, is the intern's supervisor?
• What is the intern's department responsible for?
• How are decisions made?
• Which personnel can answer different types of questions?
Outline organizational rules, policies, decorum, and expectations.
• Is there specific industry jargon?
• What are the specific work standards and procedures?
• What hours will the intern be working, and when can they take breaks?
• If interns are being paid, when will they receive their paycheck?
• What access to the supervisor (days, times and duration) does the intern have?
• How should they handle work processing requests?
• How do the mail and telephone system work?
• What are the approved forms for correspondence?
• What safety regulations must they abide by?
• Is there a procedure for signing off completed work?
• What periodic forms or reports need to be completed?
• Are there deadlines that the intern should be aware of?
• Are there any security or confidentiality issues that the intern should be aware of?
• What is acceptable with regard to dress and appearance?
• How should they maintain the premise and work area?
• Where is the bathroom and water fountain?
• What are the company's policies and procedure on harassment, discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace?
Define the intern's responsibilities.
• What is the intern's role?
• What projects will be assigned to the intern?
• What resources are available to the intern?
• What training is necessary?
• How does the organization want the intern to deal with clients and vendors?
• What tasks can be completed without supervisory approval?
• Do other employees understand the intern's role?
Monitor the intern's adjustment and understanding of what is expected.
• Make yourself visibly available to the intern.
• Assign someone who can periodically "check in" with the intern.
• Provide feedback and constructive criticism.
• Encourage the intern to ask questions.
Adapted from "Orientation Checklist," Messiah College, Internship Program.
