Dear Yogesh,

Help me understand how to make an internship effective and rewarding.

Sincerely, Aniket

Dear Aniket,

Thank you for reaching out! It’s clear that you’ve put a lot of effort into creating a valuable internship experience, and it’s great to see how much you care about the growth and development of your interns.

Starting with a project they can call their own is a fantastic way to engage interns and keep them motivated. From my own experience, I can say that interns today really value hands-on, fulfilling work. They want to feel like their contributions matter. One suggestion I’d offer is to ensure that each intern’s project aligns with their specific professional interests and career goals. When an intern can see how their work fits into their larger aspirations, they’ll feel more invested and proud of what they’re accomplishing.

I also think it’s important to stay actively involved and check in with your interns regularly. Ask for updates on their progress and offer support if they encounter challenges. Interns often need help navigating obstacles, and being there to guide them through tough spots not only boosts their confidence but reinforces the sense that they’re an integral part of the team.

In addition to learning about the company, most interns are also thinking about their future careers. Building a strong résumé is a top priority, and having an impactful project to showcase can make all the difference in landing future opportunities. Supporting your interns in this way helps them feel prepared for the next steps in their journey.

It’s wonderful that you encourage collaboration among your interns and give them a chance to connect with people from other departments. As an intern, I appreciated the opportunity to network, share ideas, and learn from others. It fosters a sense of community and makes the internship experience feel much more fulfilling. Giving interns a glimpse into different areas of the company allows them to gain a broader understanding of the organization and helps them feel more involved.

When it comes to corporate culture, I’m glad to hear that you actively introduce your interns to it. There’s often a misconception that Gen Z interns want to completely overturn traditional corporate systems, but in my experience, we respect those systems and are eager to learn how to drive change from within. However, it’s crucial to ensure that interns feel supported as they navigate these new environments. Low-stakes opportunities to interact with high performers or senior leaders can help interns feel more comfortable and gain valuable insights into the company’s culture.

Lastly, your emphasis on proactive management with lots of guidance is key. Interns are entering a new, sometimes intimidating, environment, and having clear direction and support goes a long way in making them feel confident and capable. It’s perfectly normal for interns to go through phases of uncertainty or low motivation, and it’s important to encourage open communication so they can ask for help when needed. Creating an environment where interns feel comfortable sharing concerns without fear of judgment is vital for their success.

To level up your internship program, my advice is to meet your interns where they are. From the start, set clear expectations and be mindful of their individual strengths and career goals. At the end of the internship, gather feedback from them to continuously improve the experience for future interns.

I think your approach is already strong, and these tweaks can make the experience even more tailored to today’s interns. The effort you’re putting into your internship program sets a great example for your interns and helps them get the most out of their time with you. Thank you for valuing their growth and development!

Best regards,

Yogesh

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