Program Management
Are You Getting The Most From Your Internship Program
Internship programs underperform for a variety of reasons, most are systemic.
Whether recruiting too few, or too many interns, poor utilization, or not having enough meaningful work; the end result is wasted time, money and other resources allocated to the internship program. Consequently, programs turn into perpetual money pits for companies hoping to do better next year. The problem often can be traced to poor intern program management.
Breaking this cycle requires a comprehensive review of internship program goals and strategy.
Internships have to provide a beneficial experience for interns and their employing companies to be successful; and companies have to decide if they are willing to commit the resources necessary to attain the desired level of success.
Evaluating Your Program
The first step in the internship program management process is to make an assessment of your program, to obtain information in an effort to uncover programmatic flaws that need to be remedied.
Assessments can reveal deficiencies in planning, strategy and execution; shedding light on program weaknesses, make it infinitely easier to devise possible solutions.
Keys To A Successful Program
Upon the completion of the assessment, a plan can be formulated to chart a path for success;
that plan should incorporate the following minimum goals:
- Set or define program goals
- Establish a recruitment strategy
- Designate a program manager
- Ensure proper training for the program manager
- Establish a plan for onboarding interns
- Set clear expectations for interns
- Implement feedback channels with clearly defined process & intervals.
How We Can Help
A well-run internship program will provide returns that easily exceed the operating costs; but the work must be done in both program design & development phase as well as a game plan for implementation of an effective program management strategy.
We assist in all aspect of intern program management. From collaborating on recruitment goals and strategy, to co-travel with program manager on campus visits, program manager mentoring and assistance with onboarding mechanics. We work with program managers on a scheduled basis, until proficiency is established.
Meaningful work educates, excites and motivates interns; which instills a sense of fidelity to your organization. Some companies with thriving internship programs achieve rates of 60% or greater for graduating interns seeking employment, hired to full-time positions. A skillfully managed internship program is well worth the investment.