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Preparing to host an intern

To enable your interns to have a great start to their placements, here are some suggestions for how to get ready for onboarding.

​​​​​​Before the internship starts

  1. Confirm internship details with the student; primary contact, key responsibilities, internship format, dates, hours, payment arrangements (if applicable).
  2. Complete UTS internship paperwork so the student's internship can be approved for course credit (see requirements).
  3. Prepare an induction for the student to familiarise them with your organisation (major policies and protocols, including data governance), workplace health and safety, key personnel, and workplace culture (dress code, workplace behaviour etc). Inductions can be in-person, online or virtual.
  4. Discuss the student’s learning goals (perhaps co-create some goals together) and consider how you can help support the student in achieving this professional development. This conversation could take place prior to the internship starting or as part of their onboarding when discussing expectations for the internship.

What should be involved in onboarding an intern?

  • Students should be given a formal induction (for both on-site and remote placements) to your organisation, providing them with key information about personnel, major policies and protocols, data governance and workplace health and safety. This can be undertaken in-person, online or virtually.
  • For placements taking place online or in a hybrid format, check that students have access to the necessary hardware and software to undertake their internship tasks.
  • Review the requirements and administrative details of the placement with the student, to ensure expectations are clear for both parties.
  • Confirm protocols around timekeeping and frequency for checking-ins. How often and in what format should students be checking in with their internship supervisor? Is there an administrative process you want the student to undertake to record their internship hours?
  • On the first day of the student's internship they are required to complete an electronic On-Site Workplace Health and Safety Checklist. We ask that host organisations support students to complete this paperwork in a timely fashion.

Extra consideration for online/remote internships

  • Check that the student has the necessary equipment and software to intern with your organisation (bandwidth, specific platforms, cybersecurity protections).
  • Provide training or guidance on what working safely online in your organisation means (software, protocols, privacy, protections).
  • Set up expectations and a process for how the student will record their hours or check-in whilst working remotely.
  • Consider how you can help the intern connect with their colleagues during the internship.
  • What activities or opportunities can you provide to help the intern understand more about your workplace culture?