Keeping Interns Engaged Throughout the Summer

For many students, summer is a time of relaxation between semesters and school years. However, for interns, they have to focus on their internship. It can be difficult for them to stay engaged and motivated, especially if they see peers going on vacations or doing other cool things. As a manager, there are things you can do to keep your interns engaged through the summer.

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Offer a mentorship program

Interns may start off being motivated at the internship, but as the summer progresses, they may find themselves becoming disengaged. One way to prevent this is to have your interns be mentored by other employees. This will allow your interns to have someone they connect with to help keep them focused on the goal of learning what they can. The employee should be someone who does what the intern wants to do in their career. Having this in place will allow the intern to see the value in the work they are doing as an intern so they can continue to learn and grow in the field. Having an external person other than their internship supervisor allows them to meet even more people and ask questions they may not have the chance to otherwise.

Offer college credit

Many colleges and universities offer college credit for students who complete internships. Students enroll in an internship course and keep a log of their internship assignments. The internship coordinator at the school may touch base with the intern’s manager to get a feel for how the intern is doing. The intern will be motivated and engaged because they know they want to make a good impression for their job as well as for the grade for the course.

Pay your interns

While many internships are unpaid or are solely for college credit, paying your interns will give them a bit of extra motivation to do the work. Many students need to work at least part-time, often having to choose between a paid job and an unpaid internship. Students may also choose between a paid internship and an unpaid internship. Offering a paid internship will benefit you and the student. They will feel like an actual employee at your company, which will make them feel like their work matters (which it does). You will ensure that you have a wide selection of quality internship candidates who do not have to choose between being paid or getting work experience in their field.

Offer perks

Aside from payment, another way you can keep your interns motivated and engaged is to offer various perks. When I was an intern, my company gave us tickets to the city’s flower show and ice skating rink. Other perks you may offer include meals, activity nights, spirit days, and even lottery tickets. These things show that you appreciate the interns and other employees for the work they do for your company. Check to see what is happening this summer in your area to see if you can provide related perks. Ask what kinds of things your interns are interested in and see what you may be able to offer. Perks will show that you value your interns and employees.

Listen to their ideas

Many people look down on interns because of their experience level and age. However, interns are likely studying the field your company is in, which allows them to learn the latest ideas and perspectives in the field. They are also learning new technology and trends that will benefit your company. Allow your interns to participate in meetings and share any ideas they may have. If they are left feeling shut down every time they share something or are unable to say things in meetings, they may feel like their time is not worth it and become disengaged. However, if you are willing to listen to your interns, they will feel important and want to actively participate in the work.

Appreciate the intern

As mentioned above, if interns are overlooked and not listened to, they will become disengaged. However, if you show that interns are appreciated, they will be likely to work hard and give the internship their all. You can show your appreciation for your intern in a variety of ways, from offering perks to paying them. Feeling like they are appreciated will inspire your intern to work hard, and they may even take on more responsibilities than they normally have.

Make the work environment fun

No one wants to work in a place that is not fun. A boring work environment will leave interns feeling disengaged, like they do not want to even come to work. However, if the work environment is fun, they will be energized and feel inspired to work. Use natural lighting to brighten up the place. Create a clean, colorful space and schedule fun activities for your employees to do throughout the day.

Interns need to feel engaged, even in the summer months, and there are things you can do to ensure that they stay motivated.