Tips for a Successful Co-op or Internship Experience

NYSCEEA

New York State Cooperative & Experiential Education Association

Tips for a Successful Co-op or Internship Experience

Compensation is appreciated. Provide bus or train fare or a lunch stipend if you can't afford to pay an hourly wage.

Find inexpensive ways to assist students with housing. Housing and transportation play an important role in quality of life issues. Giving the same attention to these issues as you would with full-time hires, will go a long way in the eyes of the students.

§ Once students are hired, ask them if they need help finding housing.

§ Contact local apartments and negotiate a 3-4 month lease for all co-ops and interns.

§ Subscribe to internhousing.com or a similar service.

§ Suggest safe affordable neighborhoods that are close to work, social opportunities, or a bus or train line.

§ Help the student determine in advance if they will need a car

Involve current Co-op students or interns in the technical training process for new hires. This can save time for staff who traditionally train students and can shorten the learning curve for new students. Students can write instruction manuals for software and equipment that is frequently used. Please keep in mind that it is most effective for students to learn about workplace expectations and codes of conduct from supervisors or other full-time staff.

Communicate expectations. Supervisors should initiate a discussion regarding expectations and anticipated learning or projects within the first week. This helps to ensure that student employee and supervisor have open lines of communication and shared goals and contributes to a mutually successful outcome. Tell students that you are open to all questions.

Assign challenging, meaningful work. Design short term projects. Allow students to take ownership for a portion of an existing project.

Provide mentorship, coaching, and teaching. Pair your Co-op student with a mentor who can serve as a contact for advice and questions about protocol, company culture, and career issues. Students are there to learn. A supervisor or mentor should plan to spend time instructing and mentoring.

Involve students in networking and professional development opportunities. Provide opportunities for students to meet with other students, managers, and divisions within the organization through meetings, lunches, etc. Invite them to attend workshops, seminars, and meetings with clients outside the workplace.

Provide closure. When the student leaves, ask for suggestions. Provide feedback and evaluation. Think about hiring your student employee for work after graduation.